The Rainmaking Podcast

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Dena Lefkowitz, executive coach and author of Winning in Your Own Court, about how professionals can develop confidence and overcome self-doubt in business development. Dena explains that many high-achieving professionals struggle with imposter syndrome and hesitation when it comes to networking, pitching, and asking for business. She emphasizes that confidence is a skill that can be developed through mindset shifts, intentional practice, and strategic action.

Key topics include how to reframe self-doubt as a sign of growth, the importance of preparing and practicing business development conversations, and how to turn fear of rejection into motivation. Dena shares practical strategies for professionals who feel uncomfortable with selling, including how to make networking feel natural, how to build confidence through small wins, and how to create a personal brand that attracts business. She also discusses the power of storytelling in business development, explaining how professionals can use their personal experiences to connect with clients and referral sources. This episode provides valuable insights for professionals looking to develop confidence, embrace business development, and take control of their career success.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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Dena Lefkowitz, Esq., PCC is the founder of Achievement by Design, LLC, a leading executive coaching firm focused on helping lawyers find career direction and partnering with law firms and law departments to help attorneys become great rainmakers and leaders. Dena is the award-winning author of Winning in Your Own Court: 10 Laws for a Successful Career Without Burning Out or Selling Out (American Bar Association 2021). Prior to coaching, Dena practiced law for over 20 years and was General Counsel to the Office of Open Records in Harrisburg, PA, and to the Chester Upland School District.

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This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

Links:

https://achievementbydesign.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/denalefkowitz/

Order Dena’s book, Winning In Your Own Court

 https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Your-Court-Dena-Lefkowitz/dp/1639051309

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In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Mike Mellor, business consultant and sales strategist, about how professionals can build authentic connections to drive long-term business success. Mike explains that building genuine relationships, rather than focusing on transactional sales, is the key to sustainable client development. He emphasizes that trust, empathy, and strategic follow-up are essential for keeping prospects engaged and converting them into long-term clients.

Key topics include how to structure a business development process that prioritizes relationships over quick sales, the importance of active listening to understand client pain points, and why personalization in outreach is critical for standing out. Mike shares strategies for leveraging CRM tools to track meaningful client interactions, maintaining consistency in follow-ups without being intrusive, and using storytelling to create deeper connections. He also discusses the psychology of decision-making in business development, explaining how professionals can subtly influence buying behavior by focusing on emotional engagement rather than just logical arguments. This episode provides practical strategies for professionals looking to elevate their rainmaking efforts, strengthen client relationships, and build a business development system rooted in authenticity and trust.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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I’m a rare consultant who thinks like an in-house CMO, not only ideating and developing processes and systems, but also implementing them within your cultural guardrails. Whether you prefer a “to-do” list as a project deliverable or want someone to build, design, and implement the entire solution for your business, I treat your valuable money and resources as though they were my own.  

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This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmellor/

https://742advisors.com/

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In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Stacey Hanke, author of Influence Redefined, about how professionals can develop lasting influence and credibility in their client interactions. Stacey explains that influence isn’t about a one-time impression—it’s about consistency, trust, and intentional communication. She emphasizes that many professionals believe they are more influential than they actually are, which leads to gaps between how they perceive themselves and how they are truly perceived by clients and colleagues.

Key topics include the difference between influence and persuasion, why consistency in communication is critical, and how to eliminate credibility killers such as weak body language, lack of preparation, and ineffective listening. Stacey shares practical techniques for becoming a more engaging and persuasive communicator, including how to adjust tone and messaging for different audiences and how to gain immediate feedback on communication effectiveness. She also discusses the power of presence, the role of nonverbal cues in trust-building, and how professionals can improve influence by focusing on clarity, brevity, and confidence. This episode provides actionable steps for professionals looking to enhance their influence, build stronger relationships, and improve client engagement through intentional communication.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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Stacey Hanke is a leading expert in communication and influence. For over 20 years, she has empowered Fortune 500 leaders and teams to elevate their communication skills to build the trust and credibility needed to influence action. In addition to being a Hall of Fame speaker, executive coach, and business leader, Stacey is the author of three books. Her latest book, Influence Elevated, provides leaders with skills to manage employees and increase accountability in a hybrid work environment. Stacey is here to share insights on improving our ability to influence and inspire, Monday to Monday®.

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This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

Links:

Website: www.staceyhanke.com

Ordering Link: https://amzn.to/4drMy0A

Social Media Links and Handles:

LinkedIn: staceyhanke

Facebook: @staceyhankeinc

Instagram: @staceyhankeinc

YouTube: StaceyHanke

X: @staceyhankeinc

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In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Joff Sharpe, entrepreneur, investor, and author, about how professionals can develop a resilient mindset and strategic thinking to thrive in business development. Joff, who has experience in military leadership, corporate boardrooms, and entrepreneurial ventures, explains that success in rainmaking is about adaptability, calculated risk-taking, and long-term thinking. He emphasizes that professionals who embrace mental toughness and strategic decision-making can navigate challenges more effectively and create lasting business relationships.

Key topics include how to develop a resilient mindset, the importance of embracing failure as part of growth, and how strategic risk-taking can accelerate business success. Joff shares insights from his diverse career, explaining how lessons from military discipline and corporate leadership apply to business development. He discusses how professionals can strengthen their negotiation skills, build influence, and make bold career moves with confidence. Additionally, he provides practical strategies for handling rejection, managing setbacks, and staying focused on long-term goals despite short-term obstacles. This episode offers a powerful framework for professionals looking to cultivate resilience, think strategically, and excel in rainmaking.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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This book, by an ex-SAS soldier, explains how the qualities nurtured in the Special Forces can be effectively deployed in business. Who Dares Wins in Business is much more than a military analogy in the tradition of leadership secrets of Genghis Khan, Sun Tzu and the rest. This is a book by a person who served as a captain in the regular SAS before pursuing a business career that has spanned multiple sectors and markets over two decades. Using concrete research and a refreshing absence of theory and hyperbole, Joff Sharpe’s approach is illustrated with stories and case studies from the SAS and a wide range of businesses. Amusing, informative, and occasionally shocking, this is a book for executives or leaders willing to take a more courageous approach, and for anyone interested in applying tried-and-tested military approaches to secure success in their own life. Praise for Who Dares Wins in Business : ‘In an era when the hard-won lessons of military operations are seldom transferred first-hand to the commercial battle-ground, Sharpe offers a unique and grounded military “phronesis” examining the virtues of courage and resilience. A must read’ – Dr Bryan Watters OBE, Professor of Leadership, Cranfield University ‘A good read. Sharpe has certainly done his homework, and generated lots of interesting, relevant facts and stories from both military and corresponding business situations’ – Ben Legg, CEO, AdKnowledge Joff Sharpe is a former member of the SAS who has also run an internet company for Rupert Murdoch, been Piers Morgan’s HR director, run operations for a billion-pound investment trust and lived among the Iban people of Borneo. He has also helped many international companies to improve their performance. Joff Sharpe lives in London.

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This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

www.theplacementclub.com

Links:

https://www.andrewlownie.co.uk/authors/joff-sharpe

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joffsharpe/

Order Who Dares Wins in Business here:

https://www.amazon.com/Who-Dares-Wins-Business-principles/dp/1839014474/

 www.ulin.group

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In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Melody Herschorn, book coach and author of Make a Big Impact with Your Book, about how professionals can establish authority, credibility, and trust by writing a book. Melody explains that a well-crafted book serves as a powerful tool for personal branding and business development, providing potential clients with tangible proof of expertise. She emphasizes that while many professionals consider writing a book, most never take action due to uncertainty about where to start. By following a structured approach, professionals can create a book that enhances their credibility and attracts new business opportunities.

Key topics include how to choose the right book topic, structuring content around common client questions, and using storytelling, client transformations, and data to make a book engaging and persuasive. Melody shares the three key publishing paths—traditional, hybrid, and independent—and explains why independent publishing often provides the greatest creative control and financial benefit. She also outlines effective book marketing strategies, including leveraging LinkedIn, podcast guest appearances, and speaking engagements to maintain visibility long after the book launch. Additionally, Melody highlights common pitfalls in book writing, such as failing to plan for long-term marketing, neglecting professional editing, and burnout from an overly intense launch strategy. This episode provides a step-by-step roadmap for professionals looking to use book authorship as a business development tool.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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Known for helping attorneys become bestselling authors and get positioned as experts in their practice area, Melanie Herschorn wants to help you step into your spotlight as an authority. As a publisher and book marketing strategist, she’s on a mission to empower new authors to make an impact and grow their income with their signature book.

With her comprehensive background of over 20 years as a celebrity publicist, award-winning journalist in radio, print, and TV, as well as a clothing designer and entrepreneur, Melanie is uniquely positioned to support authors to step into thought leadership and make a big impact with their book.

She earned a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Southern California where she graduated first in her class. Melanie grew up in Canada has lived on both US coasts and now resides in Arizona with her husband, daughter and son, her dog Marty and her cat Phoebe.

Her award-winning book, Make a Big Impact with Your Book, is available now.

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This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

Links:

Website:

https://yourbigimpactbook.com/ 

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-herschorn/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/melherschorn

https://www.facebook.com/bigimpactbooks 

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/bigimpactbooks

Book:

https://a.co/d/hdlMdSv 

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In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Jen Gilman, legal recruiter and advocate for lawyer well-being, about the six pillars to becoming a happy rainmaker. Jen shares insights from her extensive experience working with attorneys and law firms, emphasizing that success in rainmaking doesn’t always equate to happiness. She explains that many high-achieving lawyers feel trapped in their careers, despite their financial success, because they lack control over their time, well-being, and long-term vision. By focusing on intentional planning, self-care, and business development, lawyers can create a fulfilling and sustainable career.

Key topics include the six pillars to becoming a happy rainmaker: 1) Care for yourself, treating oneself like an elite athlete to maintain mental and physical health; 2) Build business, emphasizing the importance of client relationships for autonomy; 3) Plan intentionally, structuring time for both business development and personal well-being; 4) Set boundaries, ensuring work-life balance to prevent burnout; 5) Learn continuously, fostering a growth mindset; and 6) Build a legacy, creating a long-term impact beyond billable hours. Jen also shares practical strategies for planning ahead, developing a business plan to ensure professional growth, and delegating tasks to free up time for more meaningful activities. This episode provides a structured approach for lawyers and professionals looking to enhance their careers, reduce stress, and achieve greater fulfillment in their work.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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Jennifer Gillman is President of Gillman Strategic Group, a legal recruiting company focused solely on law firm partner placement. Her goal is to help dissatisfied law firm partners and solo practitioners find the perfect fit at another firm, which can make a dramatic difference in their career and personal satisfaction. Her superpower is being able to tell in 15 minutes whether a law firm partner would be happier changing firms or if their current firm is the best fit.

A recovering lawyer herself, Jen knows how busy law firm partners are, and how Jen received her J.D. from New York University School of Law and her undergraduate degree from Brandeis University, magna cum laude. After practicing law for 12 years, she realized that legal recruiting combined her two passions of law and matchmaking. She worked with a full-service New Jersey legal recruiting firm for 10 years, before following her dream and launching Gillman Strategic Group in 2018.

Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her lawyer husband and two children.

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This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

Links:

https://happyrainmakers.com/

https://gillmanstrategicgroup.com/

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In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Steve Fretzin, business development coach and author, about how lawyers and professionals can overcome common pitfalls that prevent them from building a strong book of business. Steve explains that business development is often treated as a secondary responsibility, leading many professionals to neglect the habits and strategies necessary for long-term growth. He emphasizes that successful rainmakers don’t just “fit in” business development—they structure their schedules and priorities to make it a non-negotiable part of their routine.

Key topics include the biggest challenges professionals face in business development, such as poor time management, lack of accountability, and resistance to delegating non-essential tasks. Steve shares practical strategies for tracking time, identifying low-value activities that should be eliminated or outsourced, and structuring a written business development plan with clear goals and action steps. He also discusses how professionals can shift from reactive to proactive business development, using networking, referrals, and thought leadership to create consistent opportunities. Additionally, Steve highlights the importance of having a coach or mentor to hold professionals accountable and refine their strategies. This episode provides actionable steps for professionals looking to take control of their business development efforts and create a predictable, sustainable stream of new clients.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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Acting as a kind of “business development therapist,” Steve Fretzin coaches and trains lawyers the most modern-day business development skills, providing precise tips, fresh ideas and actionable tasks that drive tangible results.

The host of the BE THAT LAWYER podcast, Steve has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Crain’s and Entrepreneur.com and has appeared on NBC News and WGN Radio. He has written three books on legal business development, is a regular contributor to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin and has published articles in Attorney at Law magazine, the National Law Review, the American Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association.

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This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

Demo Request

Links:

https://www.fretzin.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevefretzin/

https://www.fretzin.com/lawyer-coaching-and-training/

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In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Clinton Gary, founder of Credo Consulting, about how professional services firms can accelerate collaborative growth to maximize firm-wide success. Clinton explains that most law firms and consulting firms struggle to leverage their collective capabilities effectively, often operating in silos rather than as cohesive teams. He emphasizes that true collaboration isn’t accidental—it must be intentionally orchestrated by firm leadership through strategy, culture, and structure. By fostering an environment where professionals actively seek out and leverage firm-wide resources, organizations can create multiplicative value for clients, professionals, and the firm itself.

Key topics include the difference between collegiality and collaboration, why a firm’s culture must prioritize proactive teamwork over passive cooperation, and how leaders can structure incentives, processes, and technology to encourage collaboration. Clinton shares strategies for breaking down silos, improving internal knowledge-sharing, and creating a structured business development system that engages professionals at every level. He also discusses the role of leadership in orchestrating collaboration, how to implement practice group effectiveness initiatives, and why law firms that embrace collaboration are more successful in retaining talent and growing client relationships. This episode provides a practical roadmap for firm leaders looking to unlock the full potential of their teams through a structured, strategic approach to collaboration.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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Clinton Gary, Founder of CREDO Consulting, guides law firms and coaches’ lawyers to achieve Collaborative Growth by growing strategically and collaborating effectively. With over 25 years of experience in strategy and business development at leading Am Law firms and global organizations, he is a recognized industry leader. Clinton’s expertise and award-winning approach drive sustainable success. Visit www.credocg.com

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This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

Demo Request

Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintongary/

https://credocg.com/

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In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Lynn Tellefsen Stehle, a law firm marketing and business development expert, about how to improve lawyer engagement in business development. Lynn shares insights from her extensive experience in legal marketing, emphasizing that successful business development requires a shift in mindset, structured systems, and leveraging individual strengths. She explains that many attorneys struggle with business development because it’s not a skill taught in law school, and some feel uncomfortable with the idea of self-promotion. However, by focusing on relationship-building and providing value, lawyers can engage in business development in an authentic and effective way.

Key topics include how law firms can structure their teams for business development success, the importance of assigning roles based on individual strengths, and how firms can support lawyers through training, coaching, and technology. Lynn discusses how law firm leaders can create a culture of collaboration, ensuring that attorneys feel supported rather than pressured in their business development efforts. She also explores how firms can use modern CRM and data-driven marketing strategies to track and enhance business development outcomes. Additionally, she shares insights on how firms can use business development as a recruiting tool to attract lateral partners, emphasizing that rainmakers are drawn to firms with strong business development infrastructure. This episode provides practical strategies for law firms looking to increase engagement, improve business development results, and create a sustainable growth strategy.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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“My journey began in legal technology, where I spent 15 years developing and marketing IP software systems and services. Later, as the head of marketing and business development for three AmLaw 100 firms, I helped lead growth initiatives that resulted in profitable expansion, leveraging technology to enhance productivity, and strengthening of key client relationships.

“Throughout my career, I’ve excelled at developing highly responsive and effective marketing and business development operations and initiatives,  coaching lawyers in business development, tailoring strategies to their individual strengths and firm cultures. I’ve consistently implemented successful initiatives that have profitably expanded and strengthened the business. My “superpower” is the ability to effectively coach and engage lawyers by meeting them where they are at to help them chart their unique pathway to growth.

“Today, as the head of Client Collaboration at Nexl, I help law firms find better ways to grow. By leveraging Nexl’s platform, I help our clients to adapt modern tech to expand lawyer engagement, participation in business development, and marketing activities that lead to stronger client relationships and profitable new business.

“I’m passionate about bridging the gap between legal services and technology, helping firms overcome change management challenges and embrace modern tech for growth. If you’re interested in discussing legal marketing trends, innovative business development strategies, interested in how modern technology can transform law firm operations, let’s connect!”

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This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

Demo Request

Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynntell/

lynn.tellefsen@nexl.cloud

https://go.nexl.cloud/rainmakerconfidential

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In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Chuck Curtis, former Senior Director of Attorney Recruiting at Pillsbury and now a management consultant, about how to recruit and retain top-tier rainmakers. Chuck shares insights from his decades-long experience in law firm recruiting, explaining that rainmakers are not just top billers—they are business advisors who deeply understand their clients’ needs and build high-performing teams. He emphasizes that attracting and keeping these elite professionals requires strategic alignment, leadership involvement, and a firm culture that supports their growth.

Key topics include why successful rainmakers move firms, the factors that motivate them—such as better platform support, increased growth opportunities, and stronger team incentives—and how firms can position themselves as the ideal destination for these high-impact partners. Chuck discusses how law firm leaders can play a direct role in recruiting rainmakers, why compensation alone is not enough, and how to structure offers that appeal to both the individual and their team. He also shares best practices for integrating lateral partners successfully, ensuring they feel supported and aligned with firm leadership from day one. This episode provides valuable strategies for firms looking to attract and retain top-tier legal rainmakers while avoiding the common pitfalls that cause them to look elsewhere.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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Chuck Curtis offers consulting and coaching services to law firms:

* Developing and executing effective partner hiring strategies and initiatives

* Aligning firm leadership, practice section leaders, and partner recruiting leaders and teams in most effectively identifying winning partner hiring strategies, including firm branding, and implementing them in the marketplace

* Assessing and improving partner hiring teams

* Creating a positive firm culture around hiring and retaining lateral partners

* Developing a written framework for new partner integration, beginning during the interview process

* Providing one-on-one integration coaching to new partners to optimize their successful integration, including onboarding their existing clients and maximizing their exposure to current firm clients and attorneys

* Providing one-on-one coaching to law firm Chiefs, Directors and Managers regarding how to excel in their roles and provide maximum value to their firms while maintaining personal balance

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This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-curtis-7461a39/

clc@clcurtis31consulting.com

https://clcurtis31consulting.com/

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