#38 Choose Power: Grit, Strategy & Legacy with Rosie Paulsen

What does it take to transform a small office supply business into a 120,000 sq ft operation serving major national companies?In this episode, Nicole Alicea sits down with Joni Adams, CEO of Reimagine Office Furnishings (ROF), to unpack the journey behind one of the few full-scale office furniture remanufacturers in the United States.From humble beginnings selling office supplies to building a highly specialized operation that outfits large corporate environments, Joni shares how innovation, adaptability, and strong partnership fueled their growth.In this episode, you’ll learn:• How ROF transitioned from office supplies to large-scale furniture solutions• What “remanufacturing” really means—and why it’s a competitive advantage• The concept of “blended design” and how it saves companies money• How they survived economic downturns like 2008• The realities of running a business with your spouse• Why sustainability and ESG became a natural part of their modelIf you’re a business owner looking to grow, pivot, or build a competitive

In this episode, Nicole Alicea sits down with Cynthia Weiss, a retired banker with over 40 years of experience, to break down what really happens behind the scenes when you apply for a business loan. Before a bank evaluates your business, they evaluate you—your habits, your financial discipline, and your relationship with money. Cynthia reveals how lenders interpret your credit report, what red flags instantly raise concern, and how to position yourself as a low-risk borrower. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why banks look at your personal credit before your business • The 5 C’s of credit—and why “character” matters most • How your credit report tells a story about your financial behavior • The biggest mistakes that quietly damage your approval chances • How to structure your credit and finances before applying • What lenders really think when they review your application If you’re planning to apply for a business loan—or