What if the business you built for freedom became the very thing stealing it? Joe Rando explains why so many solopreneurs unintentionally recreate the stress of a traditional job—and how to build a business that actually supports the life you want.

Summary:
Joe Rando, founder of LifeStarr, joins Chris and Alan to challenge one of entrepreneurship's biggest assumptions: that every business should scale. Instead, Joe explains how solopreneurs can build profitable, sustainable businesses without employees by focusing on lifestyle, recurring revenue, and value-based pricing.

The conversation explores Joe's journey from physics and real estate development to software and coaching, along with the lessons he learned through changing markets and business models. They discuss the "ownership trap" that keeps founders chained to their businesses, why underpricing hurts both the owner and the client, and how defining success on your own terms leads to a healthier, more rewarding business.

Whether you're a freelancer, consultant, coach, or solo service provider, this episode offers practical strategies to create a business that serves your life instead of consuming it.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS 

• What a successful solopreneur business really looks like
• Why growth isn't always the right goal
• Escaping the ownership trap that creates burnout
• Lessons from recurring revenue in commercial real estate
• The pivot from software licensing to service businesses
• Why Ikigai isn't always the best framework for entrepreneurs
• Pricing based on value instead of hours
• Lifestyle business examples that actually work
• Building a business around freedom, not obligation
• Inside the LifeStarr community, upcoming app, and AI solopreneur coach

🔗 Guest Links

• Website: www.lifestarr.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/joerando

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari

• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
• LinkedIn | Chris Lalomia
• Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Your team probably doesn't have an execution problem—it has a clarity problem. Leadership consultant Dusty Holcomb explains why alignment beats effort every time.

Summary:

You can feel it when a team is drifting. The numbers point to execution, but the real issue is often something leaders overlook: clarity and alignment. In this episode, Chris Lalomia and Alan Wyatt sit down with leadership consultant and CEO mentor Dusty Holcomb to explore what separates high-performing teams from frustrated ones—and how business owners can create an environment where people consistently make better decisions, even when the boss isn't in the room.

Dusty shares practical leadership lessons from years of coaching CEOs, including why the best leaders answer five critical questions for every employee, the difference between managing people and truly leading them, and how written "Rules of Engagement" create trust, accountability, and faster decision-making for in-person and remote teams alike.

The conversation also dives into the personal side of entrepreneurship, including CEO loneliness, the value of mastermind and peer groups, building a business plan that's flexible enough to evolve, and adopting the mindset of "we get to do this" instead of "we have to do this." Finally, Dusty explains how business owners can use AI and emerging agentic AI tools to increase leverage without losing the human side of leadership.

Whether you lead a home service company, a growing small business, or any team that's ready for the next level, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can implement immediately.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS

• Why clarity—not effort—is the biggest missing ingredient in struggling teams.
• The five questions every employee needs answered to give discretionary effort.
• The difference between being a manager and becoming a true leader.
• How "Rules of Engagement" improve communication, accountability, and decision-making.
• Why mastermind groups help CEOs overcome isolation and become better leaders.
• Building a strategic plan without becoming trapped by it.
• Reframing entrepreneurship from "have to" into "get to."
• Practical ways AI can help leaders save time and think more strategically.

🔗 Guest Links

• Website: https://arcusgroup.com
• Free Rules of Engagement Playbook: https://myrulesofengagement.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustyholcomb

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari

• Instagram: @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia
• Website: https://chrislalomia.com

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who's working to build a stronger team and become a better leader.

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Everyone thinks starting a cleaning business is "just hard work"—until you're juggling hiring, scheduling, customer expectations, supplies, cash flow, and quality control all at the same time.

On this episode of The Small Business Safari, Chris Lalomia and co-host Alan Wyatt sit down with Vanessa Higgins, founder of Clean Tu Casa, to uncover what it really takes to build a premium cleaning company serving residential homes, commercial clients, and Airbnb properties across Atlanta.

Vanessa shares how her corporate marketing background helped her create repeatable systems, build a trusted brand, and deliver an exceptional customer experience from day one. She explains why investing in coaching accelerated her growth, the lessons she learned transitioning from B2B to B2C, and why every owner should understand the work before expecting others to do it well.

The conversation dives into the operational side of running a successful service business—from pricing, invoicing, profit margins, and team culture to communication that keeps both customers and employees confident. Along the way, Chris, Alan, and Vanessa swap unforgettable stories, including Airbnb turnover disasters, bizarre cleaning discoveries, and an unexpected fugitive arrest that proves no two jobs are ever the same.

Whether you own a cleaning company or any home service business, this episode delivers practical strategies, plenty of laughs, and real-world lessons on building a company that lasts.

💡 Gold Nuggets

•  Building repeatable systems that support growth 
•  Creating a premium brand through exceptional customer service 
•  Why coaching beats learning everything the hard way 
•  Residential vs. commercial cleaning: key operational differences 
•  The invoicing mistake that can destroy cash flow 
•  Building a strong team culture and clear communication 
•  Using AI to support commercial operations 
•  Giving back through Cleaning for a Reason
•  Airbnb turnover challenges and memorable job-site stories 
•  Growing through larger commercial contracts and acquisitions 

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

🔗 Guest Links

Website: https://cleantucasa.com

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

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari

•  Instagram: @smallbusinesssafaripodcast 
•  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia
•  Website: https://chrislalomia.com

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another small business owner. Your support helps us continue bringing practical business advice and inspiring entrepreneurial stories to the Small Business Safari.

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

 What do you do when your biggest mistake costs you 14 years in federal prison? Fleet Maull turned that experience into the foundation for building a successful business, a life of purpose, and a mindset every entrepreneur can learn from.

SUMMARY:
In this powerful episode of The Small Business Safari, Chris and Alan sit down with Fleet Maull, entrepreneur, author, mindfulness teacher, and Inc. 5000 business founder, to explore the extraordinary journey from federal prison to business success. Fleet shares how radical responsibility, self-awareness, and nervous system regulation helped him rebuild his life after incarceration and create opportunities where most people would only see obstacles.

We dive into practical lessons for business owners, including overcoming imposter syndrome, leading under pressure, managing stress, and navigating today's increasingly distracted and polarized world. Fleet also explains why AI is creating unprecedented opportunities for entrepreneurs and shares a simple breathing technique that can help you think more clearly, stay calm, and make better decisions.

Whether you're trying to scale a business, overcome setbacks, or simply become a more effective leader, this conversation offers actionable insights you can put to work immediately.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS
 • How Fleet transformed a 14-year prison sentence into a masterclass in personal growth
 • The power of radical responsibility in business and life
 • Building a successful consulting business after prison at age 50
 • Why nervous system regulation is a competitive advantage for leaders
 • Straw breathing: a simple technique to reduce stress and improve decision-making
 • Managing anger, distraction, and polarization in today's world
 • How AI is lowering barriers and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs
 • Moving from overwhelmed operator to strategic CEO

🔗 Guest Links
• Website: https://heartmind.co
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fleet-maull-13306812b

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari
• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
• LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia
• Website | https://chrislalomia.com

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who could benefit from Fleet's remarkable story and practical leadership lessons. Every entrepreneur faces setbacks—this episode shows what's possible when you take ownership of what happens next.

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

What if the problem isn’t the candidates—it’s the system that keeps producing them?

Summary:
Tom Joseph, entrepreneur, engineer, and founder of Bookminders, joins Small Business Safari to discuss a bold idea for election reform: America’s Main Street Party. Rather than trying to change the existing political parties, Tom proposes a parallel, app-based nominating system designed to give voters more influence and reduce the power of donors, party insiders, and gerrymandered districts.

We explore how the platform would guide voters through multiple rounds of candidate selection, from issue-based matching and narrowing the field to virtual town halls and final voting. Tom shares why he believes technology, alternative voting methods, and citizen engagement could create a more representative process.

Beyond politics, Tom draws from his 35 years building Bookminders, sharing lessons on leadership, financial discipline, and creating a company culture that puts people first. We also discuss the challenges of marketing a movement, earning media attention, and using storytelling through his Wilson’s Fountain project to bring history and civic engagement to life.

If you've ever felt frustrated by politics but wondered whether there are practical alternatives, this episode offers a thought-provoking conversation about what reform could look like.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 Gold Nuggets
 • Why gerrymandered districts often produce more extreme candidates
 • How a parallel nominating process could increase voter influence
 • The five-stage framework behind America’s Main Street Party
 • The role of approval voting and ranked-choice style systems
 • What mobile voting security could look like in the future
 • Why Tom believes funding should support voters’ choices, not party agendas
 • The Bookminders growth philosophy built on cash-flow visibility and accountability
 • A leadership lesson every business owner can use: protect your employees, even if it means firing a client

🔗 Guest Links
• Website: https://mainstreetparty.org
• Petition & Information: Available through MainStreetParty.org
• Wilson’s Fountain: https://wilsonsfountain.com

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

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari
• Instagram: @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia
• Website: https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

What happens when your packed calendar disappears overnight—and you're forced to figure out who you are without the chaos?

SUMMARY:
James Lang joins The Small Business Safari to share a candid story of hypergrowth, an unexpected business exit, and the personal reset that followed. After building in the fast-paced med-tech world, a shareholder power play forced James off the roller coaster and into an uncomfortable season of reflection. He opens up about the emotional impact of losing the identity tied to being a CEO, the health challenges that changed his perspective, and the lessons he learned about resilience when life refused to follow the plan.

We also dive deep into AI for small business owners, separating practical applications from the hype. James shares real-world examples of conversational AI, customer intake automation, insurance claim support, and operational tools that help teams work smarter—not replace people. If you're trying to understand where AI can genuinely improve your business and how to avoid expensive mistakes, this episode delivers a practical roadmap.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS
 • Why hypergrowth can become an addiction for business owners
 • The unexpected shareholder move that ended a CEO chapter overnight
 • Navigating the emotional crash after leaving a high-pressure leadership role
 • How a health scare reshaped priorities and future goals
 • Practical AI applications that save time and improve customer experiences
 • Using AI intake systems to eliminate repetitive calls and wasted labor
 • Why AI should increase team capacity, not replace great employees
 • How to spot AI vendors who understand strategy versus those selling hype
 • Building AI solutions that produce ROI without massive budgets

🔗 Guest Links
• Website: https://www.overlang.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-lang-94329271

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari
• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
• LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia
• Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Most small business owners say they want to scale—but what they really want is relief. Less chaos, more profit, and a business that doesn't depend on them every minute of every day.

Summary

Marcia Riner, business growth strategist, profitability expert, and host of Profit With A Plan, joins Chris and Alan to break down what it really takes to grow a business without burning out. Drawing inspiration from an unexpected source—the world-class customer experience at The Masters—Marcia explains how consistent systems, brand standards, and operational excellence allow businesses to charge premium prices and create loyal customers.

The conversation dives into one of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs: becoming the bottleneck in their own company. Marcia shares practical strategies for identifying where growth has stalled, delegating responsibilities, documenting processes, and creating a business that can thrive without constant owner involvement.

We also explore the role of AI in small business, from improving SOPs and scheduling to increasing margins and operational efficiency. Finally, Marcia explains what makes a business truly valuable and how owners can build a profitable company they enjoy today while preparing for a successful future exit.

Whether you're running a home service company, professional practice, or growing local business, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you scale smarter.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS 

•  Why The Masters provides a blueprint for customer experience and brand excellence 
•  How premium experiences justify premium pricing 
•  The hidden ways founders become growth bottlenecks 
•  Simple steps to delegate and reclaim your time 
•  Using AI to improve operations, efficiency, and profitability 
•  Building systems that make your business owner-independent 
•  What buyers look for when valuing a business 

🔗 Guest Links

•  Website: https://profitbooster.biz
•  Podcast: Profit With A Plan 
•  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marciariner
• www.infiniteprofitconsulting.com

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari

•  Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast 
•  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia
•  Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

You can spot a contractor who’s about to lose money before they ever swing a hammer. It starts with the tiny details — the wrong door size, a missed window spec, or a supplier who never asks, “Are you sure about that?”

What separates great contractors from the ones constantly losing money on jobs? Often, it comes down to the details — and the partnerships behind them. Steve Lange from Randall Brothers joins us to break down how strong supplier relationships help remodelers avoid costly mistakes, navigate volatile markets, and build businesses that last.

From learning the building supply business at $7.25 an hour to leading a high-performing outside sales operation, Steve shares what really happens behind the scenes in contractor sales, inside sales, and customer support. We unpack the painful lessons from the 2008 housing crash, the chaos of COVID-era material pricing, and the signals smart contractors should watch in today’s market.

We also dive into solution selling, setting customer expectations, leadership during crisis moments, and why the best reps aren’t just order takers — they’re trusted partners who protect contractors from expensive errors before they happen.

If you’re in construction, remodeling, home improvement, or contractor sales, this episode is packed with practical insights on profitability, customer service, and surviving a changing housing market.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS

•  Why nominal vs. actual measurements cost contractors thousands 
•  The hidden role inside sales plays when the counter gets chaotic 
•  Lessons learned from surviving the 2008 construction collapse 
•  How remodelers can thrive in today’s “opportunity market” 
•  Managing material price volatility after COVID 
•  Why listening and expectation-setting win more business 
•  The difference between order takers and true solution sellers 
•  How great companies step up during community crises 

🔗 Guest Links

•  Randall Brothers: https://randallbrothers.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-lange-b158aa42

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari

•  Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast 
•  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia
•  Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

As AI reshapes white-collar jobs, more professionals are turning to recession-resistant franchise businesses that solve real-world problems and can’t be automated away

Jon Ostenson of FranBridge Consulting joins The Small Business Safari to break down why some of the best business opportunities today are hiding in “non-sexy” franchises. From home services and senior care to pet services and B2B models, Jon explains why these businesses are thriving while many food franchises struggle with labor, margins, and operational chaos.

Chris and Jon discuss how AI anxiety is pushing corporate professionals toward tangible businesses they can actually control, why “semi-absentee” ownership is often misunderstood, and how franchisees sabotage themselves by ignoring proven systems. Jon also shares how he evaluates franchisors beyond flashy branding, what realistic funding and profit expectations should look like, and why operational leadership matters more than hype.

The conversation also dives into strategic planning using the Mount Everest metaphor and the importance of choosing a yearly focus word like “Ascend” to guide both business and personal growth.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS 

•  Why non-food franchises often outperform restaurant concepts 
•  The businesses AI can’t easily replace 
•  What “semi-absentee” ownership actually means 
•  How franchisees fail by refusing to follow systems 
•  The Mount Everest framework for long-term planning 
•  One business goal + one personal goal = better focus 
•  Real franchise startup costs and funding paths 
•  Why operators must be incentivized to scale successfully 

🔗 Guest Links

•  Website: https://franbridgeconsulting.com
•  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonostenson
•  Book: Non-Food Franchising

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari

•  Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast 
•  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia
•  Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

 What does it really take to build a business that lasts 20 years—and not hate it by the end?

Summary:
Lisa Tilt, founder of Full Tilt Consulting, joins us to break down what it actually takes to build a long-term business without burning out your people or yourself. From her early days in grassroots marketing and big-brand PR to launching her own firm after a toxic work environment, Lisa shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, culture, and communication that actually works.

We get into why entrepreneurs have to live in the gray, how internal communication can make or break your company, and what really changes when you go from doing the work to leading a team. Lisa also dives into scaling with intention, building a referral-driven business, and why chasing an “exit” can be the wrong goal. If you’re trying to grow without losing your culture, this one hits.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS
 • Why “more emails” is killing your internal communication
 • The shift from employee mindset to true leadership
 • How to make decisions when there is no clear answer
 • Building trust through simple, consistent video communication
 • Why most exit strategies are misunderstood (and overrated)

🔗 Guest Links
• Website: https://fulltiltconsulting.com

• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisatilt/ 

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari
• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
• LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/
• Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

If your team can’t answer “what is a lead?” the same way, your CRM doesn’t stand a chance.

Summary:
We kick things off with real shop talk from the field, then get straight to the hidden issue wrecking most CRMs: unclear definitions. Dominic Carubba from SalesAndTechnology.com breaks down a simple, powerful framework—leads are raw inputs, opportunities are real revenue conversations, and cases are what happens after the sale.

We dive into why vague language creates expensive chaos, why training alone won’t fix broken systems, and how switching CRMs can actually make things worse. Dominic shares how tightening stage criteria improves forecasting, accountability, and focus—so your pipeline finally works like a system instead of a guessing game.

If you’re tired of reacting instead of scaling, this episode delivers clarity you can implement fast.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS
 • Why most CRM problems are actually definition problems
 • Leads vs. opportunities vs. cases—clear and simple
 • How vague language creates chaos in your pipeline
 • Why training doesn’t fix broken systems
 • The real risk of switching CRMs
 • How stage clarity improves forecasting and focus

🔗 Guest Links
• Website: https://salesandtechnology.com

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

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari
• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
• LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/
• Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Sponsor:
Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

What if your credit is the one thing quietly limiting how fast your business can grow?

Summary: Gerri Detweiler, credit expert and education advocate at Nav, breaks down why credit is one of the most misunderstood—and most important—tools for small business owners. We get into the difference between personal and business credit, how lenders actually evaluate you, and why chasing quick fixes can backfire. Gerri shares practical strategies to build strong credit, manage cash flow during tough seasons, and avoid the traps that derail entrepreneurs. If you want to grow smarter, borrow better, and protect your business, this episode is a must-listen.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS
• Personal + business credit both impact your growth
• Why business credit feels confusing and less transparent
• There is no “one score”—lenders look at multiple factors
• What lenders consider a solid starting score
• Fix cash flow before chasing credit repair
• Credit utilization and why paying early matters
• How personal guarantees work (and fade over time)
• Business credit cards as a starting tool—and risks to watch
• Safer options when cash gets tight vs. risky fast financing
• Free help from SBDCs and where to find them
• AI-driven fraud and loan scams to avoid

🔗 Guest Links
• Website: https://nav.com/gerri

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerridetweiler/

gerridetweiler.com

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari
• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
• LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/
• Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

What if custom cabinets could be priced, designed, and built faster—without the usual headaches?

Summary:
Tino Go, founder of Hello Baru, joins the Safari to break down why the custom cabinet industry still runs on slow, outdated systems—and how his “virtual factory” model is changing the game. By tapping into underused CNC capacity, Hello Baru helps pros streamline pricing, design, and production with fewer handoffs and more transparency. We talk about the real-world chaos of sales, why homeowners still need skilled pros, and what it takes to build and scale a startup while resources are tight. If you’re in home services, design, or manufacturing, this episode is packed with practical insights on efficiency and growth. 

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS
 • Sales chaos vs. showing up professionally
 • Why cabinet buying still feels outdated
 • The “virtual factory” explained
 • CNC capacity + local fabrication model
 • Continuous sizing with a smart configurator
 • Pricing based on materials, not complexity
 • Why pros still matter on imperfect homes
 • From desks to kitchens: early traction
 • Startup reality: funding + team motivation
 • Scaling through large customers and consistency

🔗 Guest Links
• Website: https://hellobaru.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinogo/ 

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari
• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
• LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/
• Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

TITLE: Death to Voicemail |Alfredo Salkeld

What if every missed call in your business was a lost customer?

Summary:
Voicemail is where small business leads go to die. In this episode, we talk with Alfredo Salkeld, founder of UpFirst.AI, about how AI receptionists are changing the way small businesses capture calls, qualify leads, and respond instantly—without pretending to be human.

Alfredo shares his journey from leaving the “corporate zoo” to building a tool designed specifically for entrepreneurs who can’t afford to miss opportunities after hours. We dig into how an AI receptionist can follow your intake script, filter spam, text you the exact information you need, and still stay transparent that it’s AI—not a fake person.

We also talk about when AI works better than traditional answering services, when a human still wins, and why new businesses should answer every call themselves before automating anything.

If you run a small business where calls equal revenue, this episode will change how you think about voicemail forever.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS

• Why voicemail kills small business leads
 • What an AI receptionist actually does
 • Why over-empathetic AI annoys callers
 • “Be concise” settings that improve AI responses
 • Why third-party answering services fail on scripts
 • Collecting the right intake details instantly
 • Being transparent that the receptionist is AI
 • Customizing tone, accents, and multilingual voices
 • Noise cancellation and better call transcription
 • When businesses should not use AI

🔗 Guest Links

• Website: https://upfirst.ai

• Company: Up First AI Receptionist

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

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari

• Instagram: @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
 • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/
 • Website: https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

What happens when an engineer and small business owner steps into public office—and decides to run for governor?

Summary:
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger joins us to share how his background as an engineer and entrepreneur shaped his approach to leadership, public service, and running statewide systems that impact millions of people.

We explore the parallels between running a business and running a state agency—from managing payroll stress and navigating recessions to building teams and maintaining public trust. Brad explains how early lessons in risk and cash flow influenced his leadership style and why mentorship and peer accountability were critical to building strong organizations.

The conversation also dives into what the Secretary of State actually oversees beyond elections, including professional licensing and modernization efforts like Georgia’s paperless licensing system. Brad walks us through the 2020 recount process, ongoing election security improvements, and why transparency matters in maintaining confidence in the system.

Finally, we discuss his decision to run for governor and the priorities shaping his platform, including affordability, job growth, public safety, and education.

If you're a business owner, you'll recognize many of the same leadership challenges—just at a much bigger scale.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS
 • How an early entrepreneurial leap taught Brad critical lessons about risk and cash flow
 • Surviving boom-and-bust cycles in construction and manufacturing
 • Why mentors and peer accountability help leaders make better decisions
 • What the Georgia Secretary of State actually manages beyond elections
 • How Georgia modernized professional licensing with a paperless system
 • Inside the 2020 recount and the push for stronger election security
 • Why Raffensperger believes business experience matters in government leadership

🔗 Guest Links
• Website: https://sos.ga.gov

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-raffensperger/

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari
• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
• LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/
• Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

What if the biggest leadership mistake is talking too much instead of asking better questions?

Summary:
In this episode of The Small Business Safari, we sit down with Tyler Chisholm, marketing agency founder, podcaster, and author of Curious As Hell. Tyler shares how a simple habit—leading with curiosity—can transform leadership, sales conversations, and team performance.

We challenge the reflex many leaders have to pitch, fix, and dominate the room. Instead, Tyler explains how creating space, asking thoughtful questions, and truly listening allows the right answers to surface. The result? Better decisions, stronger teams, and more meaningful customer relationships.

Tyler also shares how podcasting sharpened his questioning skills and how those same skills translate directly into stronger sales calls, better coaching conversations, and healthier company cultures.

From toilet paper debates that reveal culture truths to a near-disaster DIY project that proves grit matters, this conversation is packed with practical leadership insights and a lot of laughs along the way.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS 

• A hilarious toilet paper debate that reveals deeper lessons about culture and perspective
 • Preparing for a sales call by treating the customer as the most important person in the room
 • Tyler’s journey from agency owner to podcaster to author of Curious As Hell
• Why leaders lose effectiveness when they fill the room and jump to conclusions
• How to coach teams through questions without giving up leadership or vision
• “The meaning of your communication is the result that it gets” — a powerful leadership mirror
• Creating psychological safety so questions don’t feel like traps
• Practical phrasing and pauses that help curiosity become a repeatable habit
• Customer service pet peeves and the problem with lazy “exceed expectations” claims
• A DIY project gone wrong that proves persistence still matters in business

🔗 Guest Links

• Website: https://tylerchisholm.com

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

 • Book: Curious As Hell

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari

• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
 • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/
 • Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

TITLE: No You Cannot Deduct Your Cat | Melissa Kennebrew

What if the problem isn’t your taxes—but the system you’re using to manage money?

Summary:
Melissa Kennebrew of MBK Financials joins the Safari to break down why so many small business owners feel blindsided at tax time—and how to fix it before the next surprise bill hits.

Melissa works with high-net-worth clients and growing small businesses that are tired of scrambling at year-end and guessing their way through deductions, bookkeeping, and quarterly estimates. In this episode, we unpack the difference between tax avoidance (legal) and tax evasion (illegal), why clean records matter more than last-minute “write-off shopping,” and the common mistakes both new and established businesses make.

We also dive into the Profit First system, a simple cash flow framework that helps owners manage money the way they actually think—by looking at bank balances. Melissa explains how separating revenue into operating, owner pay, tax, and profit accounts can eliminate stress, build predictability, and help owners finally reward themselves for the business they’re building.

Along the way we tackle common questions around deductions, home office fears, startup losses, and the simple habits that keep businesses proactive instead of reactive.

If you want better cash flow, smarter tax planning, and fewer financial surprises, this episode is packed with practical tips you can use immediately.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS 

• The difference between tax avoidance and tax evasion—and why intent matters
• Why successful businesses still get surprised by tax bills
• The biggest bookkeeping mistakes new businesses make
• How the Profit First system simplifies cash flow management
• Why “write-off shopping” at year end is usually the wrong strategy
• Clearing up myths about home office deductions and startup losses

🔗 Guest Links

• Website: https://mbkfinancials.com

 • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissakennebrew/
 • Instagram: MBK Financials

• biascorp.com/ (BIAS Corp)

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari

• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
 • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/
 • Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Why do so many small business owners hit a revenue ceiling—even when the opportunities keep growing?

Summary:
In this episode of The Small Business Safari, we sit down with Dr. Joseph Drolshagen to unpack the hidden forces that limit business growth. Many entrepreneurs believe the next level requires more hustle, more hours, or more pressure—but often the real constraint is the belief system running quietly in the background.

Dr. Joseph explains why revenue ceilings show up at every stage of growth and how mindset, identity, and daily habits shape the results business owners experience. We challenge the “hustle badge of honor” mentality and explore a smarter path built on perception, profit, and sustainable habits.

From understanding the difference between your vanity line and sanity line, to recognizing how subconscious programming influences decisions and procrastination, this conversation gives entrepreneurs a practical framework for breaking through their next growth barrier.

If you’ve ever felt stuck at a certain level in your business, this episode will help you rethink what’s really holding you back—and how to move forward with clarity.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS 

• Why adopting the mindset “life happens for me, not to me” changes how entrepreneurs handle setbacks
• The revenue ceiling effect and why every new growth stage creates a new internal limit
• Understanding the difference between your vanity line (revenue) and sanity line (profit and margin)
• Why fear of success can actually be more common than fear of failure
• How subconscious programming drives action, hesitation, and procrastination
• The roots of imposter syndrome in early life experiences from school, work, and home
• Using dynamic vision and emotional alignment to shift identity and decision making
• Building accelerating habit systems based on what you will actually do consistently
• Learning from mistakes through due diligence and iteration instead of quitting

🔗 Guest Links

• Website: https://coachwithjoey.com

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

 (Schedule a 15-minute introduction meeting and receive a free copy of Dr. Joey’s book.)

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari

• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
 • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia
 • Website | https://chrislalomia.com

 • Website | www.thetrustedtoolbox.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

What does it take to launch a brand-new community bank in today’s world of mega-banks and endless bureaucracy?

Summary

In this episode of The Small Business Safari, we sit down with Steve Beecham and Bob Koncerak, the founders behind First City Bank of Georgia, to unpack what it really takes to launch a new community bank in Alpharetta.

With the number of banks in the U.S. shrinking from more than 10,000 to roughly 4,300, many small businesses have lost access to local decision-makers who understand their needs. Steve and Bob explain why that service gap creates an opportunity for relationship-driven community banks to step back in.

We explore how Alpharetta’s evolution from bedroom community to thriving tech and business hub made it the perfect location, and how modern technology allows smaller banks to match the digital features of the big institutions while delivering faster decisions and real relationships.

They also share the unique de novo-plus-merger strategy they’re using to launch the bank faster and with less cost—opening the doors with live deposits, loans, and experienced lenders already in place.

For entrepreneurs, the conversation highlights the difference between chasing the lowest rate and building a banking relationship that actually helps you grow.

If you’re a founder, investor, or business owner frustrated with big-bank bureaucracy, this episode explains why community banking may be making a comeback.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
 https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS

• Why the U.S. banking system shrank from 10,000 to 4,300 banks and the service gap it created
• How Alpharetta became one of the Southeast’s fastest-growing tech hubs
• Why small banks can now match big-bank technology and digital tools
• The de novo + merger strategy that saves time and millions in startup costs
• How local lending decisions help entrepreneurs move faster
• Why value and advice matter more than just interest rates for growing companies
• Raising capital from accredited investors and aligning incentives with founder capital
• Recruiting veteran lenders and building an operator-led advisory board
• Financial education plans aimed at younger customers and families
• Hard lessons about projections, conviction, and risk when starting a bank

🔗 Guest Links

• Website: https://firstcitybankga.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-beecham-1958733

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

• hometownmortgage.net (Company)
• stevebeecham.com (Company)
• linktr.ee/stevebeecham (Company)

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari

Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
 LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia
 Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Website |  thetrustedtoolbox.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

If your marketing makes promises your operations can’t keep, growth will always stall.

Summary:
Chelsey Reynolds joins us to break down how real growth happens when marketing, sales, and customer success operate as one aligned revenue engine—not three disconnected departments.

We unpack what goes wrong when messaging doesn’t match delivery, why internal launches fail before they ever reach customers, and how unclear positioning quietly erodes trust. Chelsey shares straight-talk strategies for choosing a clear market position and sticking to it, designing simple systems that reinforce the right behaviors, and building comp plans that reward alignment—not chaos.

We also tackle leadership. Fear-based leadership may produce short-term compliance, but it crushes initiative and long-term trust. Chelsey explains how strong leaders own mistakes, apologize when necessary, and rebuild credibility—plus how middle managers can absorb executive pressure without passing stress downstream.

Finally, we explore what changes as companies scale from 1–10, 10–50, and 50–100 employees—and how systems, culture, and accountability must evolve at every stage.

If you want your brand promise to match your customer experience—and your growth to feel sustainable instead of fragile—this episode is for you.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
 https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS 

• Building one unified revenue engine across marketing, sales, and delivery
 • Fixing misaligned messaging before it costs you credibility
 • Why fear leadership creates compliance but kills ownership
 • How to rebuild trust after mistakes
 • Systems and compensation plans that drive aligned growth
 • Scaling lessons from 1–10, 10–50, and 50–100 employees
 • Insights from The Growth Department podcast

🔗 Guest Links

• Growth Department Podcast

linkedin.com/in/chelsey-reynolds-growth-expert

linktr.ee/chelseyreynolds (Company)
https://www.growthdepartment.com/podcast

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari

• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
 • LinkedIn | Chris Lalomia
 • Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

 What if your team could see exactly what your customer sees—without an app—and turn that video into a tight estimate, clean documentation, and a five-star review?

Summary:
James Hatfield, blue-collar founder and former KKR-backed CEO, joins us to unpack how LiveSwitch is transforming home services with a dead-simple, no-app live video platform powered by practical AI.

What started with a knock from the D.C. Chief of Police to reinvent 911 video evolved into a powerful tool for contractors: a simple SMS link that opens live video on any device. For home service businesses, that means remote pre-estimates that filter tire-kickers from ready buyers, real-time on-screen guidance that eliminates guesswork, and recorded sessions that shut down “he said, she said” disputes.

James walks through how a 30-second frozen-pipe clip can turn into a full scope of work—complete with CRM notes, timelines, materials lists, translations, and documentation—all powered by AI. Think of it as the Nextel of cameras with a built-in copilot. The result? Fewer wasted truck rolls, faster close rates, better prepared techs, and stronger margins.

We also dive into marketing flywheels and operational upgrades:
 • QR codes that drive repeat business straight to your team
 • Video reviews that boost your Google Business Profile
 • Open integrations with ServiceTitan, Jobber, and more
 • Pricing designed to feel like “a tank of gas,” not a tech gamble

Beyond tech, James shares lessons from building, exiting, and finding purpose again—plus the grit required to make payroll, protect culture, and keep people working.

If you run a handyman, plumbing, electrical, restoration, or moving company, this episode is a blueprint for using simple tools to win faster and serve better in a Prime-speed world.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS 

• The 911 innovation story that sparked LiveSwitch
 • How remote pre-estimates increase close rates and eliminate tire-kickers
 • Turning 30 seconds of video into scopes, CRM notes, and materials lists
 • Stopping disputes with recorded documentation
 • Using video reviews to dominate local SEO
 • Why speed beats complexity in today’s customer experience

🔗 Guest Links

• Website: LiveSwitch https://www.liveswitch.com/
 • LinkedIn: James Hatfield https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-hatfield/

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari

• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
 • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/
 • Website | https://chrislalomia.com

If this episode sparked an idea for your business, hit subscribe, leave a review, and tell us the one workflow you’d upgrade first.

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

 What happens when a longtime radio producer steps out from behind the mic and into the sales arena? Jerry Payne is betting his next chapter on mentorship, licensing, and disciplined execution.

Summary:
We put longtime producer Jerry Payne in the hot seat as he leaves radio to build a career in insurance, starting with mentorship and aiming for ownership. Together we stress-test his transition plan—examining runway, early-stage income realities, and how his broadcast communication strengths translate into a powerful sales advantage.

Jerry shares why a mid-career pivot can be the safer long-term bet, how mentorship and licensing function like an apprenticeship, and why building a strong sales engine now matters more than writing a perfect business plan later. We also break down networking strategies for insurance and financial services, handling rejection with an abundance mindset, and moving from P&C conversations into retirement income planning.

If you’re considering a career shift, entering sales, or building toward business ownership, this episode offers a practical roadmap for turning experience into opportunity—and momentum into ownership.

GOLD NUGGETS
• Pivoting mid-career: risk vs long-term security
• Mentorship and licensing as a structured apprenticeship
• Building a sales plan before a full business plan
• Creating a personal board of advisors for accountability
• Scaling realities: costs, income dips, and long-term upside

Closing Thought:
“Get out there, get going, and make it happen. Next week, better week. Next month, better month. Next year, better year.”

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

 What if your growth problem isn’t your marketing—or your product—but the offer itself?

Summary:
John “JD” Dwyer, founder of The Institute of Wow, joins us to reveal how challenger brands out perform bigger competitors by engineering irresistible offers that drive immediate action. We break down how incentive-based marketing, high perceived-value bonuses, and creative positioning can transform conversion rates without cutting prices.

JD shares the story of a bank that replaced a standard promotional rate with a vacation incentive—then amplified results with a celebrity campaign that dramatically increased response. From coffee shops doubling revenue with simple behavioral nudges to dental practices generating thousands of targeted leads through creative contests, the lesson is clear: when the offer aligns with customer desire, price becomes far less important.

We also explore practical tactics for small businesses, including designing incentives that cost little but feel premium, coaching sales teams using recorded calls and AI insights, and leveraging Facebook as a responsive lead-generation engine when the economics make sense. This episode delivers a playbook for business owners ready to move beyond price competition and create a “wow factor” that drives both immediate sales and long-term loyalty.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS
• Why the offer—not the product—often determines conversion
• Creating high perceived-value incentives that cost less than discounts
• Behavioral nudges that dramatically increase repeat purchases
• Using contests and promotions to generate targeted leads fast
• Coaching sales teams with recorded calls and AI performance analysis

🔗 Guest Links
• Website: https://theinstituteofwow.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/instituteofwow/

jdpodcastguest.com

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari
• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
• LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/
• Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

 What happens when you stop kicking doors and start building a business that actually moves upward?

Summary:
In this episode of The Small Business Safari, Chris and Alan push past a door-kicking moment to talk about what really drives sustainable growth: selling value, protecting margin, and executing a strategic plan that actually ships. We draw clear lines between handyman work and remodeling, break down why they are completely different operating models, and unpack the pricing mistakes that quietly kill profit.

We dig into real-world lessons like the $250 microwave trap, why leading with discounts is dangerous, and how reviews become proof of promise—not just social noise. Against a backdrop of market uncertainty and changing homeowner math, we outline three focused initiatives for growth: smarter CRM and AI use, relentless gross profit focus, and deposits that protect cash flow.

Most importantly, we rally the team around one word—Ascend—and show how alignment, execution, and close rate become the true levers for growth.

💡 GOLD NUGGETS 

• Channeling passion into systems, coaching, and execution
• The small-ticket trap and the $250 microwave lesson
• Why handyman work and remodeling require different business models
• Pricing frameworks and good-better-best ranges
• Value over price—and the danger of leading with discounts
• Reviews as proof of promise and process
• Market uncertainty, homeowner math, and demand drivers
• Three initiatives: CRM & AI, gross profit focus, deposits
• Building team buy-in with tactical execution and one-word alignment
• Why close rate is the real growth lever

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari
• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
• LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/
• Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Final Thought:
Don’t forget to go out there and tell your friends about this thing. Keep sharing the podcast—we’re just getting started.

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

What does it take to go from the factory floor to the boardroom—and still keep your values intact?
In this episode, we trade war stories with Jim Tracy, tracing his journey from welder to Wireless Hall of Fame leader. Jim shares how he built a blue-collar telecommunications business alongside his son, exited twice, and never lost sight of culture, safety, and people along the way.

We dig into what caring leadership really looks like when payroll is tight, how authentic recognition and jobsite visits strengthen teams, and why designing your business to be sellable years in advance changes every decision you make. Jim also breaks down private equity fit, post-merge integration, and how calm, disciplined leaders win in uncertain markets.

If you’re building a business in the trades—or any people-driven operation—this conversation is packed with hard-learned lessons you can actually use.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS 

• Building a blue-collar telecommunications business with family
 • Running on fear and discipline during lean payroll weeks
 • Choosing people over money as a leadership operating system
 • Authentic recognition and field visits that strengthen culture
 • Making safety engaging, rewarding, and real on jobsites
 • Designing a business to be sellable long before an exit
 • What private equity really looks for beyond the numbers
 • Navigating cultural fit and post-merge integration
 • Embracing uncertainty with scenario planning and calm execution
 • Lessons from Legacy Radio to Grampian podcast and radical transparency
 • Customer service truths: under promise, overdeliver—every time

🔗 Guest Links

• Website: www.thegrampion.com

Email: jim@thejimtracy.com

• thegrampion.com (Blog
• thejimtracy.com (Personal)
• linktr.ee/grampion (Other)

 • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-tracy-istowerjim/
 • Podcast: Legacy Radio to The Grampian

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari

• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
• LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/
• Website | https://chrislalomia.com

If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a founder who needs a nudge, and leave a quick review so more builders can find us. Your support helps more small business owners turn uncertainty into an advantage.

📩 Connect:
Send me an email: chris@thetrustedtoolbox.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

 What happens when a business stops guessing on marketing and starts treating growth like a system? One gymnastics gym went from stalled growth to multi-million-dollar revenue—and the playbook applies to any small business. Andy Seeley tells us how. 

Summary:
In this episode, Andy Seeley breaks down how to choose a marketing agency that won’t experiment on your budget, why niching creates faster and more predictable results, and how AI can turn raw inquiries into booked appointments automatically. Using a real gymnastics gym case study, we show how operations, pricing, enrollment strategy, and marketing must align to unlock sustainable growth.

You’ll hear how smart micro-testing on Meta finds the right parents, why multi-channel intake matters more than ever, and how AI tools can qualify, converse, and schedule without adding staff. We also dive into retention strategy—specifically the powerful shift from opt-in to opt-out enrollment—and how raising prices actually works when demand and value are built intentionally.

This is a tactical episode for owners who want real growth—not agency hype.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS 

• How to interview agencies for real niche experience and cultural fit
 • Red flags that signal an agency is learning on your dime
• Why reading how reviews are written matters more than star ratings
• Using micro-tests on Meta ads to dial in the right audience fast
• Building multi-channel intake around how customers actually prefer to respond
• How AI can qualify leads, hold conversations, and book appointments
• Switching from opt-in to opt-out enrollment to boost retention
• Raising prices by increasing perceived value and demand
• Treating your agency like an extension of your internal team

🔗 Guest / Resource Links

• Creatively Disruptive – https://creativelydisruptive.com

• High Level Thinkers – https://highlevelthinkers.com

• Ashworth Strategy – https://ashworthstrategy.com

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

“Reach out—we’ll help you plan your growth.”

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari

• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
 • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/
 • Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

What does it really take to turn a scrappy New York storefront into a globally recognized luxury brand—and then exit it on your terms? Eric Malka breaks it all down.

Summary
Eric Malka shares the real story behind building a premium grooming brand from the ground up—starting with a $12,000 shop in New York and evolving through distributor, retailer, service provider, and manufacturer. We unpack the pivotal press moment that drove a 20x sales spike, how disciplined brand and margin decisions enabled luxury positioning, and what it takes to plan and negotiate a strategic exit—especially during crisis moments.

Along the way, Eric explains how customer pain points shaped natural product formulas, why not every “great” location works, and how luxury distribution partnerships validated the brand while protecting margins. We also explore omnichannel growth in a privacy-first ad world and what purpose looks like after a successful exit—from fatherhood and health to mentoring the next generation of founders.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS 

• Moving from distributor → retailer → services → manufacturer
 • Using PR strategically to create demand and brand credibility
 • Building products directly from customer pain points
 • Designing a premium in-store experience that converts to retail sales
 • Lessons learned from a failed Wall Street location
 • Leveraging Neiman Marcus for luxury validation and distribution
 • Defining luxury vs. mass—and protecting margins
 • Adopting omnichannel while adapting to privacy-driven ad changes
 • Planning for a revenue-based brand exit and negotiating under pressure
 • Redefining purpose after the sale through health, family, and mentorship

Author of the book: On The Razor's Edge

🔗 Guest Links

• Website: https://strategicbrandinvestments.com

• Personal Site: https://ericmalka.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-malka-9071529/
• Instagram: @ericmalka

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari

• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
 • LinkedIn | Chris Lalomia
 • Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

🎧 The Small Business Safari

Title: From Service to Skilled Trades:  Creating Real Jobs for Veterans

 Too many veterans leave the military with discipline and grit—but no clear civilian pathway. Marty Strong is fixing that with real skills, real employers, and paid apprenticeships.

Summary:
We sit down with Marty Strong, founder of Warriors Haven USA, to break down a practical, no-fluff pathway that helps veterans find both purpose and pay through the skilled trades. Marty explains why blue-collar work isn’t a fallback—it’s a solution to a massive talent gap—and why combat arms veterans are uniquely wired to succeed in this space.

We unpack the “transition shock” many vets experience, the cultural myths that keep people away from trades, and how Warriors Haven USA’s three-level training model moves participants from exposure, to skill-building, to paid apprenticeships with employer partners who are ready to hire.

Marty also shares the hard truths around funding, the vision behind a new 9,000-square-foot training center, and why real momentum comes from mentors, networking, and matching skills to actual market demand. This episode is a must-listen for veterans, employers, and business owners who believe meaningful work should lead to real opportunity.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS 

• Why skilled trades solve a real and growing talent shortage
 • Who Warriors Haven USA serves—and why this model fits veterans
 • The three-level pipeline from exposure to paid apprenticeship
 • Employer-ready skills in HVAC, metalwork, woodworking, and culinary
 • The Business Academy: sales, hiring, and scaling beyond the tools
 • Funding realities and building a 9,000 sq ft training facility
 • How purpose returns when skills align with real demand
 • Why networking and mentors beat cold calls every time

🔗 Guest Links

• Website: https://warriorshavenusa.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marty-strong-9676bb13/

martystrong.com

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari

• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
 • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/
 • Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

🎧 The Small Business Safari Podcast

Title: From Bank Teller to CEO:  Building Teams That Thrive

 What if clarity—not hustle—was the real growth lever in your business?

Summary:
We unpack how clarity, boundaries, and respect transform a stressful, travel-heavy audit model into a high-retention, highly profitable practice—and how those same principles help founders escape the default problem solver trap. Courtney shares how she redesigned operations to protect margin, filter the right clients, and build leaders who truly own outcomes.

This conversation is a masterclass in making growth feel lighter. You’ll learn how to turn client pain points into process advantages, say no to misfit work without guilt, and create systems that preserve culture while reducing founder dependency. From financial dashboards to scope control, Courtney breaks down the practical tools that allow founders to lead with intention instead of constant reaction.

If you’re tired of being the bottleneck and ready to scale with clarity, this episode delivers real-world frameworks you can apply immediately.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS
 • Designing a vision that creates real boundaries
 • Turning client pain points into operational advantages
 • Protecting margin by saying no to misaligned work
 • Hiring and leading by strengths—not sameness
 • Building leaders who own outcomes, not just tasks
 • Using financial dashboards for visibility and control
 • Preventing scope creep with better project management
 • Creating a client experience that earns renewals
 • Letting go of control without losing culture
 • Practical intake, scope, and timing filters that work

🔗 Guest Links
• Website: https://forgeahead.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyderonde/
• Free Complexity Assessment: https://assessments.forgeahead.com

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari
• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
• LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/
• Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Stop waiting to “feel ready.” Here’s the hard truth: confidence comes last.
If layoffs, ageism, or career ghosting have knocked you sideways, this conversation with career transition coach John Tarnoff offers a practical way forward—without applying to 100 job postings.

John breaks down why the old career playbook—resumes, cover letters, and cold applications—fails experienced professionals, and how to replace it with mission-led positioning, warm introductions, and a narrowly defined “superpower” that solves one urgent problem for the right buyer.

We dig into how to turn your LinkedIn About section into a clear mission and promise, rewrite headlines around outcomes (not titles), and shift from task execution to executive-level problem solving. John also shares his own path through eighteen jobs and seven firings, reframing setbacks as data—and momentum.

This episode connects career transition, leadership, and entrepreneurship with a consultant mindset: diagnose pain, map a path to results, communicate relentlessly, and finish the last five percent. Whether you’re W-2 or 1099, the goal is the same—become the trusted thought partner leaders rely on.

If you feel stuck, consider this your nudge: move while uncomfortable, define the promise you’re making, choose the niche you can own, and reach out to five people who can open the right doors this month.

💡 GOLD NUGGETS 

• Confidence is the outcome of action—not the starting point
• Why ageism is hitting earlier and how referrals bypass it
• Mission-led career design from the inside out
• Turning LinkedIn profiles into stories and value promises
• Writing headlines around outcomes instead of roles
• The baseball mindset for outreach (.300 is elite)
• Selling strategy to executives, not tasks
• Reframing firings and setbacks as usable data
• Thinking like a consultant in leadership and entrepreneurship

🔗 Guest Links

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johntarnoff/
• Programs & Coaching: 

• johntarnoff.com (Company)
• johntarnoff.com/blog (Blog)
• midcareerlab.com (Company)

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari

• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
 • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/
 • Website | https://chrislalomia.com

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

What happens when an investor swears off banks, personal guarantees, and risky one-and-done deals? Chris Prefontaine rebuilt from the 2008 crash by creating a bank-free model that produces cash now, cash monthly, and cash at exit.

Summary:

Chris Prefontaine, founder of Smart Real Estate Coach, shares how losing everything in 2008 forced him to rewrite the rules of real estate. He now buys through owner financing and subject-to deals, prioritizes principal-only terms, and structures every transaction around his trademark “three paydays.” We unpack his lead-gen engines, VA-driven metrics, airtight legal processes, and why his coaching model includes revenue-share and real in-the-trenches support. This episode is packed with practical takeaways on scaling, staying safe legally, and building a legacy business with grit, patience, and clear expectations.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS 

• Setting new rules after losing everything in 2008
 • Buying without banks: owner financing & subject-to explained
 • Why principal-only terms matter more than price
 • The three paydays and how each creates predictable income
• Lead gen from expired, FSBO, FRBO, and free-and-clear lists
• How VAs drive outreach, metrics, and conversion consistency
• Legal must-haves and choosing the right attorneys
• Coaching that includes revenue-share and deal support
• Building a family-run team and long-term legacy
• Who succeeds: grit, patience, and realistic timelines

🔗 Guest Links

• Free Books: https://wickedsmartbooks.com/safari

• Smart Real Estate Coach: https://smartrealestatecoach.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisprefontaine/

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari

• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
• LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/
• Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

What happens when you lose everything in 2008—and still choose to pay everyone back? Rob Stephenson rebuilt not just a business, but a reputation that now wins national NARI COTY awards.

Summary:

Rob Stephenson, founder of Stephenson Construction, shares how leaving engineering, moonlighting in rental units, and surviving the 2008 collapse shaped his disciplined, integrity-first approach to design-build. We unpack his early pivots from art and engineering, learning the trades out of necessity, brand lessons from Target, and how a move to Atlanta unlocked new opportunity. Rob breaks down practical pricing, cash flow, licensing, and client selection—plus a DIY cautionary tale involving a wet metal roof, no tie-off, and a painful lesson learned.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS 

• How growing up in Philadelphia sparked his love for home projects
 • Art vs. engineering at Tuskegee — and the early career pivots that followed
 • Learning every trade through rental-unit trial by fire
 • Building the first spec home, licensing insights, and partnership lessons
 • The 2008 crash: overleverage, failure, and choosing integrity over shortcuts
 • Moving to Atlanta and how Target taught him branding discipline
 • Building a design-build team that wins national COTY awards
 • Story proof: why case studies beat sales pitches
 • Cash flow, pricing, and client fit — practical rules that keep you alive
 • Quickfire picks: E-Myth for Contractors, basements, and service pet peeves
• DIY disaster: the wet metal roof and the importance of safety tie-offs

🔗 Guest Links

• Website: https://www.stephensonconstructionllc.com

• NARI Directory: Search “Stephenson Construction” on NARI.org

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

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari

• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
 • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/
 • Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

What happens when a regulatory attorney trades Wall Street stress for barber-chair swagger? Jessica shows how instinct, culture, and system design built a luxury grooming brand that outlasted the copycats.

Summary:

Jessica, founder of Mad Men Barbershop, shares how she turned gut calls, culture, and brand discipline into a multi-location grooming experience that grew stronger through competition and COVID. We unpack instinct-based decision-making, the split between creative vision and operational discipline, scaling culture across shops, and how social media keeps both clients and staff accountable. Jessica also opens up about writing Pivot And Slay and Selfish Is A Superpower, and speaks candidly about ambition, parenting, identity, and the practical hiring and vibe-setting tactics that keep her team aligned. This episode is all about building a lifestyle brand that stands the test of time—no matter who tries to copy it.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS 

• Founding Mad Men Barbershop as a lifestyle brand, not a commodity
 • Why instinct often beats perfect plans in early entrepreneurship
 • How Jessica handled copycats—and why doubling down on culture works
 • COVID shutdown survival decisions and reopening timing
 • Scaling vibe, expectations, and accountability across multiple locations
 • Writing Pivot And Slay and Selfish Is A Superpower
• How ambitious women navigate identity, parenting, and business growth
• Hiring, training, and culture-setting that keeps standards high

🔗 Guest Links

• Website: https://pivotandslay.com

https://www.madmenbarbershop.com
 • Instagram: @pivotandslay
 • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thejessicadennehy-7b629a201
• Books: Pivot And Slay & Selfish Is A Superpower (Amazon)

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari

• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
 • LinkedIn | linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia
• Website | https://chrislalomia.com

thetrustedtoolbox.com 

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

What happens when small businesses stop fearing AI—and start using it to remove friction, boost margins, and strengthen customer trust?

Summary:

We trade fear for facts and show how real small businesses put AI to work without losing the human touch. From “Tina” the chatbot to contact-center triage, sales coaching, and smarter inventory planning, we map where humans still lead—and where bots quietly drive efficiency, speed, and margin growth.

We also dig into the changing labor market, the disappearance of entry-level tech roles, and why care, therapy, and spiritual support will remain human-only. If you’re a small business owner wondering how to test AI tools safely and ethically, this episode gives you real-world examples and a simple rule: AI drafts, humans decide.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS 

• AI chat handling after-hours inquiries with clean human handoffs
 • Why call centers are giving way to contact centers + chat automation
 • Sales coaching using recorded ride-alongs & feedback loops
 • What shifting market signals show across demographics
 • The vanishing entry-level pipeline in tech roles
 • Three domains AI won’t replace: caregiving, therapy, spiritual roles
 • Why small companies have the edge in testing emerging AI tools
 • Seasonal forecasting + inventory insights from real case studies
 • Google vs ChatGPT and the new research habits
 • A simple operational rule: AI drafts; humans decide

🔗 Guest Links

• W Rxsolution: Worxsolution.com
• Veloci Technology Group: velocitechnology.group
• WFH with Two Guys: Find on LinkedIn

linkedin.com/in/dennisjackson10

linkedin.com/in/https://www.linkedin.com/company/wfh-with-2-guys/posts/

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari

• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
 • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/
 • Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

🎧 The Small Business Safari

TITLE: From Anchorage to National: Niches, GEO, and Growth | Jennifer Christensen

Hook in Body:
What happens when ethical AI meets small business marketing? Jennifer Christensen built a national agency from Alaska, proving that data, discipline, and heart can scale together.

Summary:
Chris Lalomia and Alan Wyatt sit down with Jennifer Christensen, CMO and co-founder of a national marketing agency, to unpack how failure fuels leadership and how GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) helps small businesses show up in AI search. From building a brand in Anchorage to serving clients nationwide, Jennifer shares how AI can speed up delivery without sacrificing integrity.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS (Key Moments)
• Turning early business failures into leadership lessons
• Expanding from a small market to national reach
• Choosing niches based on results, fit, and margins
• Using AI for speed while keeping human quality control
• GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and AI search visibility
• Launching campaigns in days, not months
• Building trust through ethical AI practices

🔗 Guest Links
• Website: https://sparkstorymarketing.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jenniferchristensenak

 • GEO Training: Free monthly sessions at think-anchorage.com/geo

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari
• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast

• LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia

• Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Follow and rate and review us

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

What happens when a corporate sales leader swaps the corner office for family time — and ends up building two thriving brands instead?

Summary: A former tech sales leader shares how losing a franchise became the best thing that ever happened. From setting boundaries that shaped the business model to launching a manufacturing arm that wins architectural specs, this episode dives into the discipline, strategy, and relationships that fuel sustainable growth without burnout.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS (Key Moments)
• why family hours set the business model
• lessons from a franchise territory loss
• supplier training and hiring for skill transfer
• early pricing discipline and margin traps
• choosing commercial over residential for predictability
• operating as a subcontractor to general contractors
• launching a manufacturing brand alongside installs
• winning specs with AIA CEUs and a spec builder
• pacing growth to protect reputation and delivery
• building a multi-generational team and future exit options

🔗 Guest Links
• Website: www.awningsaboveus.com

• Website: www.skyscapecanopies.com

 • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-french-9928351/

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari
• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast

• LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/
• Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Summary:
Jeremy LaDuke, founder of Epic Nine, dives into the attention economy and why bold, memorable branding outperforms safe, copycat marketing. He explains how small businesses can set honest budgets, track what really matters, and build brand familiarity that drives conversion — even without perfect attribution. From Liquid Death’s creative risk-taking to networking tips for introverts, Jeremy shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply to grow with authenticity and courage.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS (Key Moments)
• Disruptive branding lessons from Liquid Death
• Defining SMART goals and budget honesty
• Risk appetite and creative differentiation
• Attribution reality and measuring what matters
• Branded search as a proxy for awareness
• Lower, mid, and top-funnel investment strategy
• Climb Club for sub-$2M businesses
• Networking tactics for introverts
• When to use CTAs vs. pure brand
• Distinctive assets: names, themes, mascots

🔗 Guest Links
• Website: https://epicnine.com

• The Climb Club: https://theclimbclub.com

• Book “Climb”: https://theclimb.guide
or Amazon

• LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyladuke/

 • Book Rec: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari
• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast

• LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/

• Website | https://chrislalomia.com

• Website | www.safaripodcast.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Hook in Body:
Chris and Greg met at Accenture and were implementing call center solutions at the nations largest banks, their friendship has been over 30 years and we are excited to share the journey that Greg has taken to this point.

Summary:
Greg, CEO of Timbers Resorts, shares how he went from Corporate Consultant to Real Estate Business Owner life of ownership, service, and decisive leadership. Luxury fractional ownership vs. timeshare, resilience after hurricanes, and how we leveraged a position within the company to be able to move into an ownership position as the previous owner looked to retire.

💡 GOLD NUGGETS (Key Moments)
• Surviving the consulting grind and owning outcomes
• Why the 2006–2007 thesis said do not develop
• Service as strategy in luxury real estate development and operation
• Timeshare vs. fractional ownership with deeded interests
• Referrals as a growth engine and cost of acquisition

 • Italy and Hawaii builds, permits, and GC replacement
 • Buying the company while honoring legacy
 •  Practical on risk, and decisive leadership

🔗 Guest Links
• Website: TimbersResorts.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-spencer-1630044/
 • LinkedIn: “All you have to do is drop Chris Lalomia”

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari
• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast

• LinkedIn | Chris Lalomia

• Website | chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

🎧 The Small Business Safari – Episode Title
Profit Over Revenue: How 4 Corners CFO Turns Chaos into Clarity

Hook:
We dig into profit over revenue, how service businesses should structure their books, and why capacity-based budgeting beats guesses.

Summary:
Danielle Hendon, founder of 4 Corners CFO, shows how niching, clean reconciliations, and cash flow forecasts turn anxiety into action. From culture vs. process tension to bottom-up budgeting, Danielle reframes accounting from a headache into a strategic growth tool. Learn why people costs belong in COGS, how capacity-based metrics expose underutilization, and what separates a weak bookkeeper from a real CFO partner.

💡 GOLD NUGGETS (Key Moments)
• Culture vs. process tension reframed around scalable profit
• Revenue obsession challenged by profit-first thinking
• People costs placed in COGS for real gross margin
• Capacity-based revenue and utilization metrics
• Bottom-up budgeting tied to activities, not accounts
• Expense buckets as required, perks, and investments
• Pricing flat fees to capture efficiency gains
• Segregation of duties and clean reconciliations
• How to spot a weak bookkeeper fast
• Niching into law firms and selling with specifics
• Cash flow forecasting that includes taxes and timing

🔗 Guest Links
• Website: 4cornerscfo.com

 • Special Page: 4cornerscfo.com/smallbusinesssafari

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-hendon/

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari
• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast

• LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/

• Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Marika Ponton, CPA and founder of Profit Truths, shares how she built, sold, and pivoted her way to helping business owners find clarity, profit, and calm. From Big Four beginnings to entrepreneurial coaching, Marika reveals how small business owners can master their numbers, reallocate marketing spend, and finally take control of cash flow.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
The Small Business Safari on YouTube

💡 GOLD NUGGETS (Key Moments)

• Big Four lessons that translate to small business grit
• Why networking beats waiting for franchise leads
• Subfloor to sales: detailed quotes as a differentiator
• Selling while you’re the rainmaker and still getting value
• Financials that tell a story buyers trust
• Marketing spend benchmarks by industry and region
• Fixing gross profit before chasing net profit
• Judgment-free coaching and honest KPI dashboards
• Cash flow tactics, payroll timing, and owner salary
• Benchmarking, reallocating ad spend, and growing margin

🔗 Guest Links

Marika Ponton – Profit Truths
• Website: https://profittruths.com

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marikaponton

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari

• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast

• LinkedIn | Chris Lalomia

• Website | chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Justin Goodbread unpacks how concentrated focus beats scattered effort, why enterprise value matters more than income, and how designing for an exit creates freedom long before a sale. He shares the Deca-Millionaire framework forged through wins, losses, and relentless execution.

🎥 Watch the Full Episode on YouTube

👉 https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS (Key Moments)

·        • The black dot metaphor for singular focus

·        • Early entrepreneurship, hardship, and the mountaintop reset

·        • Mindset rewiring and fitness as business force multipliers

·        • Vision and values as non‑negotiables for scaling

·        • One client, one offer, one outcome discipline

·        • The 4% drives 64% principle for prioritization

·        • Quarterly enterprise value reviews and execution sprints

·        • Building a business that runs without you

·        • Always be exit‑ready to maximize timing and valuation

·        • Practical examples: productizing services, narrowing offers

🔗 Guest Links

• Website: https://JustinGoodbread.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justingoodbread

• Instagram: @justingoodbread

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari

• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast

• LinkedIn | Chris Lalomia

• Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Skot Waldron shares how business leaders can transform their company culture by focusing on intentional leadership and internal brand development before external marketing. He explains that effective culture-building creates environments where people feel valued and motivated from within rather than being micromanaged.

• The distinction between managing people versus leading them—people want to be led, not managed
• How company culture is "the air you're breathing" and exists whether you're intentionally cultivating it or not
• Small businesses often "get the shaft" from marketing agencies selling superficial solutions without strategic foundations
• Replacing employees costs 1.5-2.5 times their salary, making culture investment financially sound
• The importance of intentional mentorship programs for retaining younger generations
• "Don't light fires under people, light them inside them" as a leadership philosophy
• Skot's book "Unlocked" provides a 52-week framework for developing intentional leadership
• Every interaction creates either a "brand deposit" or "brand withdrawal" with your team
• Leaders should consider how people will think and talk about them 20 years in the future

To learn more about Skot's speaking, coaching, and leadership development programs, visit his website or connect with him through his social media channels.

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

skotwaldron.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

LinkedIn strategist Al Kushner shares essential strategies for cutting through the noise and leveraging AI to establish yourself as a thought leader on the world's largest professional network.

• Creating an optimized LinkedIn profile is essential before any outreach
• Establishing yourself as a thought leader requires providing value, not just selling
• LinkedIn newsletters bypass spam filters and deliver directly to subscribers' inboxes
• Using AI can help craft better responses and engage with influential content creators
• Sales Navigator provides valuable insights into who's viewing your profile and who's active
• Focus on connecting with referral partners rather than direct prospecting
• Recent recommendations significantly impact how prospects perceive your credibility
• Responding to others' content is more effective than just posting your own
• Follow influencers and thoughtfully comment on their posts to increase visibility

If you want to learn more about optimizing your LinkedIn profile and leveraging AI in your professional networking, visit linkvantage.com where you can access Al's free ebook and other resources.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/al-kushner/

linkvantage.com

AlKushnerSpeaks.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Southside Steve Rickman shares his journey from radio personality to entrepreneur, revealing how corporate radio's restrictions pushed him to bet on himself and build multiple businesses on his own terms.

• Began in radio accidentally by filling in for a voice talent at 96 Rock while working at an ad agency
• Became known on "The Regular Guys" morning show for outrageous stunts including being shot with BB guns
• Developed a loyal following but faced increasing corporate restrictions on content
• Was fired with no severance despite being a top revenue generator for the station
• Opened a Smokey and the Bandit themed bar while still working morning radio
• Faced challenges from skeptical family members during the transition to entrepreneurship
• Currently developing "Yeah C'mon" bourbon brand aimed at blue-collar consumers
• Runs his own radio platform on My Fox FM where he follows FCC rules but not "corporate woke rules"
• Maintains an optimistic outlook despite setbacks: "Even if it's half full, it's full"

Check out the Yeah C'mon Show podcast on YouTube, and follow Southside Steve on social media to keep up with his latest ventures.

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Ian Hay returns to share crucial disaster preparedness strategies for business owners during hurricane season and National Preparedness Month, emphasizing self-reliance when government resources may be limited.

• Text instead of calling during emergencies and include specific location information
• Keep multiple backups of all cloud-based data in different physical locations
• Maintain cash in small denominations for emergencies when electronic payments fail
• Have essential emergency supplies readily available including water, food, and batteries
• Keep fire blankets accessible for electrical fires rather than just fire extinguishers
• Establish clear communication plans with employees including alternative contact methods
• Understand your business insurance coverage thoroughly before disaster strikes
• Consider carrying phones on different networks to maintain communication during outages
• For career transition and AI integration coaching, contact Ian at 770-293-8870
• Visit lickitysplitdisasterkit.com for a special discount on Ian's disaster preparedness video package

https://licketysplitdisasterkit.com/

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

In this episode, Eric Fortenberry takes us through his unique journey—from software entrepreneur, to running a construction company, to discovering firsthand the operational flaws that hold businesses back. What started as troubleshooting for his own company turned into the creation of JobTread, a platform designed to solve the biggest pain points in the construction industry.

Gold Nuggets from Eric’s journey:

• Working on Estimating First to get the profit built into the Job Upfront
• Building documentation systems that clearly define project scopes and make change orders simple and enforceable
• Fixing the “shopping and shit” TIME WASTER by moving crews from hourly pay to fixed-price work
• Driving a business turnaround from $5M to $8M in revenue with a 43% jump in gross profit in just one year
• Scaling JobTread from 200 customers in 2021 to more than 7,500 today (adding 500+ new accounts monthly)
• Structured onboarding, training programs to ensure customer success

Eric shares powerful insights that every business owner can use to tighten operations, boost profits, and scale with confidence.

Visit jobtread.com to learn more or schedule a demo. Eric is also active in the JobTread Pros Facebook group with over 7,000 members and can be reached directly at eric@jobtread.com.

https://www.youtube.com/JobTread

https://www.facebook.com/JobTread/

https://www.instagram.com/jobtread

https://www.linkedin.com/company/jobtread/

https://x.com/JobTread

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Ellen Tyler, founder of Ellen Tyler Coaching, shares her inspiring journey from corporate financial services to becoming a successful business coach. She reveals why mindset is the real currency of business — and how slowing down, visualizing success, and asking the right questions can lead to seven-figure growth. Ellen also breaks down her unique approach to coaching that focuses on the person behind the business, empowering women to overcome limiting beliefs and thrive.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS (Key Moments)

• Responding vs. reacting — why taking a breath before deciding changes outcomes

• Start your day with goals, not emails

• The “What went well today?” exercise that rewires your mindset

• Women’s unique business challenges — and how to break the seven-figure ceiling

• How curiosity creates real connection and opportunity

• The networking question that opens every room: “Who are the three most interesting people here?”

• Why visualizing your goals makes them real

🔗 Guest Links

• Website: https://ellentylercoaching.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellentyler

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari

• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast

• LinkedIn | Chris Lalomia

• Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Ever wondered how some businesses seem to have plenty of cash while others with similar revenue struggle to make payroll? The secret lies in understanding the financial gap between money coming in and money going out—and nobody explains this better than Cashflow Mike.

In this eye-opening episode, Mike Milan shares his remarkable journey from state trooper to financial expert, revealing how accident reconstruction mathematics gave him the breakthrough he needed to understand business finances in practical, applicable ways. "I didn't understand math until I was a state trooper," Mike explains, describing how connecting abstract concepts to real-world scenarios transformed his relationship with numbers.

Mike introduces us to the counterintuitive concept of "growing broke"—being so successful that you actually run out of money. Through colorful stories about his experiences running multiple businesses (from janitorial services to restaurants and property management), he illustrates how extending payment terms to clients while still needing to meet regular expenses creates a dangerous cash flow trap that can sink even thriving companies.

The heart of this episode focuses on Mike's Clear Path to Cash program and how it helps businesses identify hidden cash through analyzing just nine key numbers from financial statements. This approach has helped his clients uncover over $150 million in hidden cash without increasing sales. Rather than chasing revenue, Mike emphasizes focusing on gross profit—the only cash available to cover operating expenses or contribute to net profit.

For business owners feeling the cash crunch despite solid sales, this episode provides practical insights into six key calculations that reveal where cash is hiding in your business. Whether you're running a construction company, a service business, or any small to medium enterprise, Mike's accessible approach to financial analysis will transform how you view your business finances.

Ready to find the hidden cash in your business? Visit cashflowmike.com for a free Seven Minute Conversation course that will help you understand your business finances better than you have all year.

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

cashflowmike.com 

Mike@cashflowmike.com

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=cash%20flow%20mike

clear path to cash

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Ever wonder what keeps your friendly neighborhood business attorney up at night? Hint: it's watching entrepreneurs shake hands on partnerships without proper documentation, then having to pick up the pieces when it all falls apart.

Brandon Woodward, founder of Woodward, Kelly, Fulton and Kaplan, cuts through the legal mystique to deliver straight talk about protecting your small business. With 25 years of experience guiding entrepreneurs through the legal landscape, Brandon shares why waiting until there's a problem to seek legal help is like trying to buy insurance while your house is already on fire.

The conversation tackles those awkward but essential discussions business partners need to have while everyone's still smiling and optimistic. Brandon explains why documenting agreements upfront prevents costly disputes when unexpected circumstances arise. "Silent partners are never silent," he warns, highlighting how proper documentation protects everyone involved when reality inevitably differs from rosy projections.

Cash flow challenges get special attention as Brandon reveals why collections issues can sink even profitable businesses. "A business can run in the red for decades, but you can only run out of cash one time," he notes, offering practical advice for maintaining healthy receivables without alienating clients.

Perhaps most valuable is Brandon's guidance on building business cultures that retain talent. He shares a philosophy that resonates deeply: "Train employees so well they could work anywhere. Treat them so well they won't want to." Through profit-sharing and meaningful inclusion, Brandon demonstrates how legal structures can support rather than hinder positive workplace dynamics.

For business owners contemplating an exit, Brandon's insights on preparing years in advance for a sale prove invaluable. His free white paper (available at wkfklaw.com) outlines steps to maximize value and ensure smooth transitions.

Ready to protect what you've built? This episode delivers the legal wisdom every entrepreneur needs without the intimidating billable hours. Your business deserves more than a handshake and good intentions—give it the legal foundation to thrive.

linkedin.com/in/wkfklw.com 

wkfklw.com 

facebook.com/WoodwardCounsel 

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

James Holivsky of The Fran Dream shares his journey from corporate America to helping athletes and professionals find the right franchise fit, revealing what makes a successful franchise owner and which concepts offer the best opportunities today.

• After 25 years in corporate America, James helped grow a restaurant chain from 1 to 100 stores before partnering with NFL players on various concepts
• Athletes excel at franchise ownership because they're accustomed to following playbooks and betting on themselves
• The most successful franchisees follow established systems rather than trying to reinvent them
• Current hot franchise opportunities include indoor golf simulators with 24/7 access and minimal staffing requirements
• Dog grooming concepts with membership models offer strong margins and recurring revenue
• Home service businesses, children's education, and senior care will continue to be strong franchise sectors
• Semi-passive ownership is possible but requires initial hands-on involvement and strong managers
• James personally vets franchises by examining profit margins, startup costs, and franchisee satisfaction
• When evaluating franchises, the most important question to ask existing owners is "Would you do it again?"
• Finding the right franchise requires clarity about your goals: semi-passive income, multi-unit operation, or building generational wealth

If you're interested in exploring franchise opportunities, visit TheFranDream.com or email James at james@thefrandream.com.

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

https://www.instagram.com/thefrandream/?hl=en

#franchise#franchisee#franchisor#professional#athlete#playbook#golf#goldsimulator#thefrandream#smallbusiness#money#love#joshaltman

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Charles and Clay Gridley, the father-son duo behind Six Bridges Brewing, share their journey from homebrewers to successful craft brewery owners with two locations in Georgia's Johns Creek and Milton areas. They reveal how strategic infrastructure planning, distribution partnerships, and community engagement have helped them thrive for seven years in a competitive market.

• Started as homebrewers before investing Charles' retirement savings to launch Georgia's first father-son brewery
• Built larger infrastructure than initially needed to avoid costly upgrades later, making expansion easier
• Navigated Georgia's three-tier distribution system by carefully selecting the right distributor partner
• Boldly expanded to a second location during November 2020 despite pandemic uncertainties
• Created community gathering spaces with events, special releases like the popular "Love Tractor" peach IPA
• Integrated family throughout the business, with Clay's wife managing the Milton location and Charles' brother handling production
• Constantly adapting to industry trends while maintaining core business principles
• Named "Six Bridges" after the six roads with "bridge" in their names throughout Johns Creek

Come visit one of our two locations in Johns Creek or Milton to experience our craft beers, spirits, and community atmosphere. If you can name all six bridges without looking at our mural, your first pint is on us!

www.sixbridgesbrewing.com

https://www.facebook.com/6BridgesBrewing

https://www.linkedin.com/company/six-bridges-brewing/

https://www.instagram.com/sixbridgesbrewing/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/sixbridgescrabapple/?hl=en

#beer#love#money#distillery#taproom#beergarden#dogfriendly##packagebeer#livemusic#foodtrucks#beerdistribution#entertainment#patio#IPA#tiptop#lovetractor#sours#bourbon#rum#singlemaltwhiskey#whiskey#barbeque#prohibition#keylimepie# casualatmosphere#family

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Derek and Andrea Johnston share their journey from enjoying a charcuterie board on their first date to founding The Gathering Board, a successful charcuterie business started during the pandemic.

• Started business without formal planning after discovering no similar services existed in their area
• Built their website in three days and received their first non-friend order while grocery shopping
• Initially operated as a "bootleg" business until securing proper licensing and a commercial space
• Gained traction through Facebook group "Cherokee Connect," generating 500 website visits overnight
• Adopted Gordon Ramsay's quality standards after Andrea watched Hell's Kitchen while recovering from a broken jaw
• Expanded from small home delivery boards to event catering, now representing 75% of their business
• Secured their liquor license to provide full-service events including charcuterie and their signature "Pasta Baby" dish
• Partner with Rally Foundation for childhood cancer research, raising $20,000 through donated services
• Now employ a manager plus several staff members after five years in business
• Maintain the same high standards for every client regardless of size or profile

Follow the same high standards for all your work because you never know when a small job will lead to a major opportunity – many clients try a small order before booking a wedding or large event.
andrea@thegatheringboard.co

https://www.instagram.com/thegatheringboard.co/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/thegatheringboard.co/?ref=_xav_ig_profile_page_web#

www.thegatheringboard.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-johnston-70a8271bb/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnston-4806746a/

#rallyfoundation#pastababy#focaccia#cherokeecountyfacebook#rallyontherunway#charcuterieboard#love#wine#pasta#grazingtables#catering#delivery#Atlanta#smallbusiness#money#entreprenuer

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Justin shares his entrepreneurial journey from math teacher to software sales professional to exterior cleaning business owner, revealing how a layoff turned his side hustle into a full-time venture.

• Started with just $4,000 investment and his wife's blessing to "go fail"
• Prioritized education by traveling to learn from industry veterans rather than figuring it out alone
• Discovered algae on roofs is a living organism eating away at shingles, requiring cleaning every 5-7 years
• Partnered with insurance companies who were looking to reduce their risk from unmaintained properties
• Built a custom pump system capable of cleaning 4-5 story buildings from the ground without ladders
• Broke his arm in a ladder accident, forcing him to hire and train others—accelerating business growth
• Doubled business in year two through networking, particularly through BNI membership
• Now considering vertical integration by acquiring a chemical distribution dealership
• Exploring development of a direct-to-consumer product to help homeowners properly clean exteriors

If you're facing algae streaks on your roof or need exterior cleaning services in the Atlanta area, reach out to Justin at myexteriorcleaner.com or find them on Instagram and LinkedIn.

#myexteriorcleaner
#heretohelp

linkedin.com/in/justin-reames

myexteriorcleaner.com

#pressure#cleaner#clean#boats#BNI#algae#roofs#love#money#ladders#solutions#pressurewashing#pressurewashingsolutions#insurance#help

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Mindset coach Renata Mazu reveals how mental blocks prevent business growth and success despite having the right strategies and knowledge. She explores the psychology behind why entrepreneurs sabotage themselves through fear, past trauma, and unconscious patterns that keep them stuck.

• Most business owners know what to do but are held back by mindset issues and "head trash"
• Our past experiences create limiting beliefs that manifest as business obstacles decades later
• Looking for evidence not to trust people creates self-defeating cycles in leadership
• Fear of public speaking isn't about speaking itself but about feared consequences like judgment
• Mental blocks eventually manifest physically as stress, pain, or illness when left unprocessed
• Strategy is only 20-30% of business success - the rest is mindset and implementation
• Self-awareness and observing your patterns is the first step to breaking through limitations
• Processing past emotions properly unlocks new potential for growth and confidence
• Monthly "Money and Mindset" events in Atlanta combine practical strategy with psychological work

Check out Renata's book "Journey to Healing" on Amazon and connect with her on social media under Renata Mazu or Edge Savvy.

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

Instagram:  @edgesavvy

#money#mindset#love#homeservicehalloffame#paulburleson#TheJourneytoHealing#healing#journey#golf

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

What happens when a fallen preacher finds redemption behind prison walls? Kit Cummings shares his extraordinary journey from respected church leader to rock bottom, and how this painful path ultimately led him to discover his true calling.

With unflinching honesty, Kit reveals how the pressures of leading a 5,000-member congregation led to personal struggles that cost him everything. After a life-changing car accident that should have resulted in jail time but ended with what he calls "an angel in a cop uniform," Kit began a journey toward sobriety. His redemption story took an unexpected turn when he reconnected with a former mentee facing gang-related murder charges, opening the door to what would become his life's mission.

Through powerful storytelling, Kit takes us inside some of the world's most dangerous prisons, where he's created peace movements that have dramatically reduced violence. With vulnerability as his superpower, Kit has earned the respect of hardened gang leaders by approaching them not as broken souls needing salvation, but as teachers who helped him rediscover the principles of respect, integrity, and loyalty he had lost along the way.

The conversation expands beyond prison walls to Kit's work with youth through his "Protect the Dream" program, helping young people develop aspirations powerful enough to overcome negative influences. His insights about dream protection apply equally to business owners and anyone striving to maintain focus on their goals while navigating life's challenges.

This episode delivers profound lessons about redemption, purpose, and how our greatest failures can become the foundation for our most meaningful work. Kit's journey proves that transformation is possible in the most unlikely places, and that sometimes we find our truest calling only after losing everything we thought defined us.

#protectthedream#powerofpeace#kitcummings#respect#loyalty#integrity#prisons#gangsters#love

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Fernando Melo shares his incredible journey from Brazilian immigrant to successful business owner with M&M Home Exteriors, providing roofing, siding, gutters, windows, doors, painting and deck services throughout Atlanta.

• Fernando's dream to visit America and Disney World as a child led to his immigration in 2000
• Started with zero English skills, sleeping on a stranger's couch while attending ESL classes
• Discovered natural talent for exterior construction work, particularly siding installation
• Founded his first business just five years after arriving in America
• Survived the 2008 housing crisis by downsizing from four crews to just himself and a helper
• Expanded into M&M Home Exteriors in 2015, now running multiple specialized crews
• Customer service philosophy influenced by Disney's approach to creating experiences
• Values treating crews with respect and refuses to work with clients who disrespect his team
• Balances business ambitions with family time, building a legacy for his two young sons
• Emphasizes quality workmanship and taking pride in transforming homes

Visit sidingatlanta.com or search M&M Home Exteriors on social media platforms to learn more about Fernando's services.

#siding#love#atlanta#fernandomelo#M&Mhomeexteriors#disney#brazil#america#ESL#deck#exterior#home

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Michael shares his journey from Enterprise Rent-A-Car to real estate entrepreneurship, highlighting how each career step taught valuable lessons about leadership, influence, and customer service. His decision to leave corporate America wasn't about dissatisfaction but about creating a life and business fully aligned with his and his wife Cristi's deeper goals.

• Starting as a rental car agent and witnessing a tie get caught in a paper shredder (a moment that still lives in infamy)
• Working in diverse environments including South DeKalb and Kindercare, where he learned patience and adaptability
• Transitioning to franchising, where he developed skills in influencing without direct authority
• Realizing that despite corporate success, his goals required entrepreneurial freedom
• Building True Blue Mountain Group with a focus on operational excellence and customer experience
• Developing systems that create consistency in real estate transactions
• Using community involvement and networking to establish presence in Blue Ridge
• Leveraging social media connections to reach potential clients seeking vacation properties
• Understanding that when you "burn your ships" and commit fully, going back isn't an option
• Sharing his DIY disaster of accidentally drilling into a water pipe (and the smart move of putting the screw back in)

#truebluemountaingroup#realestate#bourbon#networking#KellerWilliams#KW#LOVE

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Christi shares her remarkable journey from military police to Phoenix PD sex crimes detective to successful real estate entrepreneur in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Her story reveals how transferable skills and authentic networking can lead to success in an entirely new field.

• Began career as Military Police after ROTC college scholarship
• Spent nearly 22 years with Phoenix Police Department, primarily in the sex crimes unit
• Featured in documentaries about sex trafficking that still air on Delta flights
• Developed coping mechanisms to deal with witnessing humanity at its worst
• Initially thought corporate America was the next logical step after law enforcement
• Found corporate world surprisingly inefficient and culturally misaligned
• Rebuilt her network from scratch through intensive community involvement
• Applied investigative and listening skills to her real estate career
• Focuses on honesty with clients rather than maximizing commissions
• Recently launched True Blue Mountain Group Realtor Group
• Recommends "Greenlights" by Matthew McConaughey for turning challenges into opportunities

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christi-decoufl%C3%A9-51a0bb85/

https://www.facebook.com/ChristiDecoufleRealtor/

https://www.instagram.com/christi_decoufle_realtor/

https://www.pbs.org/video/sex-trafficking-in-america-tptgui/

#KELLERWILLIAMS#realestate#BlueRidgeGeorgia#thetrustedtoolbox#smallbusinesssafari#bourbon

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Every job is a sales job, and every interaction is a sales interaction. Learning to understand needs, help people, find solutions collaboratively, and remove the "ick factor" from the sales process transforms how we approach all our business relationships.

• Sales begins with selling yourself authentically and consistently
• Your body language constitutes 80% of communication, even in virtual settings
• The true bottlenecks often occur after the sale—in service, follow-up, and billing
• Many companies create "transactionships" instead of relationships with customers
• Customers need to feel seen, felt, and heard throughout their experience
• Getting employees involved in sales requires showing how it benefits them personally
• Effective retention begins at the first interaction, not after the transaction
• Ask for referrals, reviews, and repeat business instead of hoping they'll happen

Check out Dr. Cindy McGovern's books "Every Job is a Sales Job" and "Sell Yourself" at drcindy@drcindy.com or follow her at 1ST Lady of Sales on all platforms.
#ORANGELEAFACADEMY#SMALLBUSINESSSAFARI#BOURBON#SELLING

https://drcindy.com/orange-leaf-academy/

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Ryan Lee joins the podcast to discuss his journey o to successful landscape lighting entrepreneur, he discusses how focusing on a specific niche can lead to massive business growth in home services.
GOLD NUGGETS

Dominate a niche. By dropping every service except landscape lighting, Ryan positioned himself as the expert, commanded premium pricing, and built a brand that buyers noticed.

Marinate your price. Share price ranges early—before the site visit—to filter tire-kickers and walk into every sales call with budgets aligned.

Design your life, not just your business. Therapy with his wife and disciplined delegation moved Ryan from “always grinding” to present dad and strategic owner—proof that systems beat burnout.

MORE ABOUT RYAN LEE:
• Interested in lighting: Check out his podcast "Lighting for Profits"
• Book recommendation: "Buy Back Your Time" by Dan Martell 

If you're ready to grow your business or find your perfect niche, check out Ryan's resources at Landscape Lighting Secrets on YouTube and Instagram or find his podcast "Lighting for Profits" on your favorite platform.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrfM0oJ4wAwL62RdWMAa3e1mxNVO62W5S

https://landscapelightingsecrets.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ryanleebottoms

https://www.instagram.com/landscapelightingsecrets/?igsh=MWppeTVydDMxNGh6NA%3D%3D#

https://www.linkedin.com/company/landscape-lighting-secrets/

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Liz Steblay joins us to share her expertise on successful solopreneurship, drawing from her experience building multimillion-dollar businesses without employees. She reveals the essential strategies that help independent consultants and service providers build wealth and create sustainable businesses.

• Definition of solopreneur: self-employed person without employees who doesn't aim to grow beyond themselves
• Commit to one hour of networking weekly—just "one person in person once a week" keeps your pipeline full
• Create a North Star document that clearly explains your "why" for being self-employed
• Establish a clear niche—clients want to hire specialists, not generalists
• Build wealth and pay less tax through intentional financial planning
• Solopreneurs can still build significant businesses using contractors and fractional leadership
• The Professional Independent Consultants of America (PICA) provides community and resources
• Being self-employed doesn't mean doing everything alone—strategic outsourcing is key

Discover Liz's book "Succeeding as a Solopreneur: Six Keys to Taking the Leap, Winning Clients, and Building Wealth" and connect with her at sixkeys.info or through the Professional Independent Consultants of America at picawork.org.
www.PICAnetwork.org/why 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/solopreneurs-business-development-relationship-liz-steblay/   

www.SixKeys.info 

www.PICAnetwork.org 

https://highmarkdistillery.com/pages/private-barrel-experience 

Liz’s Profile

linkedin.com/in/independentconsulting

Websites

• ProkoConsulting.com (Company)
• PICAnetwork.org (Company)
• SuccessfulIndependentConsulting.com (Blog)

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Lance Cayko shares his remarkable journey from North Dakota farm boy to Colorado architect, builder, and developer, revealing how one summer job at age 13 sparked his entrepreneurial path.

• Finding his passion in construction after quitting farm work with his father after just one week
• Learning the multiplier concept and business fundamentals from his first mentor, Bruce
• Working in different trades each summer from ages 13-21 to build comprehensive skills
• Pursuing architecture to position himself at the beginning of the client relationship
• Managing the 2,000 decisions clients face when building custom homes
• Balancing three professional roles as architect, builder, and developer
• Weathering the challenges of development and barely making it through their first project
• Finding renewal through fishing and hiking remote alpine lakes during COVID burnout
• Creating "up yards" – specially designed rooftop decks that provide privacy while showcasing mountain views
• Maintaining a one-hour response time policy for all client communications

"Trust the process" is Lance's message to clients navigating the ups and downs of construction. Despite all the advances in technology, buildings are still built by humans, not machines, and understanding this reality helps manage expectations throughout the journey.

Lance’s Profile

linkedin.com/in/lance-cayko-1227031a

Websites

• f9productions.com/ (Company)
• insidethefirmpodcast.com/ (Podcast)

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Rosco Graves, founder and CEO of Polaxis, shares his journey from corporate finance to entrepreneurship and explains how fractional CFO services can transform small business operations and profitability.

• Building trust with clients starts with understanding their unique needs and personalities
• The value of storytelling in financial services—translating numbers into meaningful narratives
• Why "you don't know what you don't know" can be the biggest threat to your business
• How fractional CFO services provide Fortune 500 financial expertise to small and medium businesses
• The importance of having finance professionals involved in business decisions before problems arise
• Common financial blind spots that cost business owners thousands
• The transition from corporate mindset to entrepreneurial thinking requires deliberate reprogramming
• Starting with a $50 client and growing to serve businesses across multiple industries and states
• The power of combining technical expertise with strong communication skills
• Financial professionals who can tell you things you need to hear, not just what you want to hear
• The realistic risks of entrepreneurship versus corporate employment

Check out Polaxis and connect with Rosco at polaxis.co or email info@polaxis.co to learn how his team can help your business make better financial decisions and achieve greater profitability.

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Collin Graves shares his journey from Air Force mechanic working on B-1 bombers to founding successful cloud computing and data analytics companies. He discovered his entrepreneurial path by identifying specific pain points for construction companies, creating cloud-based file-sharing solutions, and eventually building North Labs, where his team develops data analytics systems that transform businesses.

• Built his first tech company while still in the military, focusing on cloud storage solutions for construction companies
• Learned cloud computing through self-teaching, becoming one of the first 10 fully certified AWS professionals worldwide
• Sold his first company in 2014, which led to a two-year non-compete agreement
• Founded North Labs in 2016, focusing on data analytics as a profit center rather than just cloud migration
• Helped a $7 billion manufacturing company reduce their scrap rate with a data solution that saved them $40 million in just one year
• Emphasizes that most companies already have the data they need but don't know how to leverage it
• Creates "command centers" that unify data across different systems to provide actionable business intelligence
• Recommends the book "Simplify" by Robert Koch and Greg Lockwood for business owners
• Currently races in two series including Radicals and as a reserve driver in the Lamborghini series

Connect with Collin Graves on LinkedIn or visit NorthLabs.com to learn more about how data analytics can transform your business.

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Will transformed his background in digital marketing to create a thriving dog waste removal business, turning a simple concept into a multi-million dollar enterprise within just a few years. His journey proves that finding underserved niches and applying sound business principles can create extraordinary opportunities even in seemingly ordinary services.

• Started with digital marketing background before realizing owning service businesses would be more profitable
• Launched an electrical company that hit $1M in revenue within six months
• Created Swoop Scoop after noticing poor service from existing dog waste removal companies
• Built market awareness where none existed previously through door-to-door marketing and Facebook ads
• Grew from 20 to over 300 accounts in just three months using targeted digital marketing
• Operates on a subscription model with pre-billing to maintain healthy cash flow
• Differentiates through professional branding, uniformed employees, company vehicles, and quality assurance
• Created "Poop Scoop Millionaire" educational platform to teach others how to start similar businesses
• Built such strong brand recognition that "Swoop Scoop" has become synonymous with the service in his market
• Plans to scale to $10M annual revenue through continued geographic expansion

Connect with Will and learn more about starting your own pet waste removal business at scoopstart.com or through the Scoop Start YouTube channel.

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Al Levy transformed his family's heating business into a multi-trade powerhouse spanning four generations by developing comprehensive systems, training programs, and clearly defined organizational structures.

• Building operating manuals that defined processes objectively in writing
• Creating a corresponding training center to transform willing apprentices into skilled technicians
• Implementing a merit-based pay system rather than rewarding longevity
• Early adoption of technology like two-way radios and computerization
• Developing clear roles and responsibilities using "the box chart" to prevent micromanagement
• Prioritizing supplier relationships by paying vendors first
• Using a training center to test new products before taking them to customers
• Giving employees the opportunity to try products in their own homes at a discount
• Managing family business dynamics through clear communication and defined responsibilities
• Creating true career paths rather than just jobs

Check out Al's "7 Power Contractor" book and online programs at 7powercontractor.com for more resources on building a successful home services business.

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Gabrielle Mills and her mother Chrissy took an unconventional path to entrepreneurship. After six years of searching for the perfect business model, they decided to invest in themselves instead of a franchise—starting what would become Sourced, a comprehensive back-office services company, from Chrissy's basement.

What makes their story remarkable isn't just the mother-daughter dynamic (though family ties run deep with siblings, in-laws, and extended family having worked in the business), but how they identified and filled crucial gaps for growing businesses. Sourced provides fractional accounting, marketing, HR, administrative support, and talent acquisition services—five distinct businesses under one roof, all focused on helping companies function more efficiently without the overhead of full-time staff.

Their success stems from a laser focus on solving pain points. For accounting clients, it's often financial chaos—whether preparing for an exit, supporting a CFO who can't function with inadequate reports, or rescuing businesses when bookkeepers depart. Their talent acquisition process employs a three-person team that thoroughly vets candidates before clients ever meet them, saving valuable time and ensuring strong matches. Marketing services range from foundational branding (including logos designed in PowerPoint!) to comprehensive campaigns that build credibility and attract clients.

After nine years of growth primarily through word-of-mouth, Sourced now faces fresh challenges. Their client base has evolved from small businesses to companies with $2-30 million in revenue—organizations that require different approaches to marketing and sales. Gabrielle's candid admission resonates with entrepreneurs everywhere: "We all have the same problem, and it's in sales. Nobody knows how to do it, nobody feels successful at it." It's this refreshing honesty, combined with their proven ability to solve complex business problems, that makes their journey so instructive for anyone building a service-based business.

Want to learn more about outsourcing your back-office functions or how a fractional approach might help your business scale? Visit GetSourced.com and discover how professional support can free you to focus on growth.

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Your small business is vulnerable to cyber attacks whether you realize it or not. In this eye-opening conversation, IT expert James Sanford reveals the shocking truth that companies like yours face dozens of digital attacks daily—even if you're "just a handyman company" or small service business.

James takes us through his journey from solo IT consultant to managed service provider, explaining how the cybersecurity landscape has dramatically evolved from annoying pop-ups to sophisticated ransomware operations that can completely shut down your business. With remarkable clarity, he breaks down complex security concepts into practical advice using colorful analogies like "putting alligators in your digital moat" that make cybersecurity accessible to even the most tech-resistant business owners.

The most valuable segment comes when James outlines the five essential security measures every business needs: a proper firewall, endpoint detection and response software, password management tools, multi-factor authentication, and comprehensive backup solutions. These fundamentals form a solid security foundation that can protect your business from the most common threats without breaking your budget.

What truly stands out is the paradigm shift James describes—moving from reactive IT support that only fixes things when they break to proactive management that prevents problems before they impact your business. This approach not only improves security but dramatically enhances productivity by eliminating those frustrating technology disruptions that kill your team's momentum and waste valuable time.

Don't wait until you become another cybercrime statistic. Take the first step toward protecting your business by implementing these essential security measures today—because the cost of prevention is always less expensive than recovery after an attack.

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Karl Maier didn't set out to become a business growth advisor. After studying economics and systems in college, he reluctantly joined his family's industrial distribution business—only to help scale it an impressive five times larger in just three years. That journey through entrepreneurship's trenches taught him lessons no classroom could provide, especially after a break-in left them with stolen computers and missing customer payment records.

From recovering that early setback to riding the dot-com wave (and subsequent crash), Karl developed a sixth sense for the realities of business growth that most entrepreneurs desperately need but rarely possess. His most valuable insight? Everything takes twice as long and costs twice as much as founders expect—and sometimes that "twice" becomes four times when reality truly hits.

Today, Karl works with entrepreneurs who have brilliant technical ideas but struggle with the business fundamentals required to scale. One founder approached him needing $5 million to build his dream of reaching $50 million in sales, only to discover the harsh mathematical reality: investors would need approximately 125% ownership to make the deal worthwhile. These moments of truth allow Karl to help founders adjust their expectations and strategies, often by focusing on smaller, achievable goals that establish cash flow before attempting full-scale expansion.

Whether advising on fundraising approaches (which typically take 6-12 months, not the 60 days many founders expect), helping select appropriate business partners, or guiding operational scaling decisions, Karl brings the rare combination of financial expertise and entrepreneurial battle scars that make him an invaluable resource. If you're considering scaling your business or seeking funding for growth, connecting with Karl through his website Abunden.com or LinkedIn could be the most important 30-minute conversation in your business journey.

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Luann Russian's entrepreneurial journey defies conventional wisdom about network marketing. A former pharmaceutical rep of the year, she left corporate life when her manager asked if she could "stay and be mediocre" while raising children. Twenty years later, her decision to join Arbonne has created both financial freedom and unexpected health transformation.

Unlike most who enter network marketing, Luann approached it analytically – evaluating compensation plans, market size, and business sustainability before even trying the products. "I jumped in for the business model," she explains, highlighting how she examined wellness and skincare as trillion-dollar industries with growth potential. This business-first mentality positioned her for success from day one.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Luann reveals how her purely financial decision evolved into a personal health revolution. After reluctantly trying Arbonne's 30-day healthy living program ("no one whined about it more than I did"), she experienced dramatic health improvements that eventually eliminated her fibromyalgia and Crohn's disease symptoms. "I really think the reason I ended up with Arbonne was to resolve my health issues," she reflects.

Throughout the episode, Luann shares practical networking wisdom gained from running business women's groups for over a decade. Her specific strategies for follow-up, referral requests, and maintaining client relationships offer valuable insights for entrepreneurs in any industry. Perhaps most importantly, she attributes her longevity to persistence: "I don't go away. You have a bad year, you have a downside, you don't quit."

Whether you're curious about network marketing, seeking business development strategies, or interested in the intersection of entrepreneurship and wellness, Luann's story demonstrates that sometimes the road less traveled leads to unexpected destinations worth discovering. Connect with her at luannrushinarbon.com to learn more about her approach to business and health.

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

What happens when your $3.50 breakfast sandwich suddenly costs $12.50? When your skilled workers demand $30/hour instead of $18? When your commercial lease jumps 50%? Welcome to the economic reality of 2025 – a landscape transformed by persistent inflation, potential tariffs, and permanently reset price expectations.

This candid, unfiltered conversation dives deep into the practical challenges small business owners face as they navigate today's economic pressures. We explore the "Overton window" concept – how yesterday's outrageous prices become today's reluctant acceptance – and what this means for your pricing strategy. Using real-world examples from construction materials to commercial real estate, we illustrate how inflation has permanently altered business costs across industries.

Most valuably, we share actionable strategies for protecting your margins without alienating customers. You'll learn why 30-day estimate validity periods have evolved from sales tactics to financial necessities, how technology adoption can create operational efficiencies, and why employees often resist price increases more strongly than customers do. We also discuss the looming influence of potential tariffs – and why they're already impacting pricing decisions regardless of whether they're ultimately implemented.

Throughout this discussion, we maintain a strictly practical perspective focused on business survival rather than political posturing. The insights shared apply across industries and business sizes, making this essential listening for anyone navigating the complex economic terrain of 2025.

Ready to strengthen your business against inflationary pressures? Listen now to gain concrete strategies for maintaining profitability while continuing to deliver exceptional value in today's challenging economic landscape.

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Step into the world of music entrepreneurship with our captivating discussion featuring Jay Maurice, founder of "Lessons in Your Home." In this episode, Jay shares the exhilarating journey of turning his passion for music into a successful nationwide business teaching music lessons. As he unfolds his story, listeners are invited to reflect on the passion that drives them and how significant relationships with students can lead to success far beyond just monetary gain. 

Jay candidly explores the early days of his career, where he had dreams of becoming a rock star but faced harsh realities. He emphasizes that understanding the business side of music education is crucial for aspiring musicians and teachers alike. Learn how Jay created a thriving community around music by focusing on interpersonal connections, nurturing each student's unique talents, and fostering a love for music. 

This episode is rich with insights about what it truly means to be a music educator in today’s world and how the simple act of teaching can create ripples of impact that last a lifetime. As questions about scaling a business and the importance of relationships in entrepreneurship arise, listeners will find themselves more engaged than ever. 

Join our conversation to discover how to turn your passion into profit, understand the nuances of teaching music, and cultivate meaningful relationships with your students. Don't miss this chance to learn from Jay’s experience and take your first steps toward a successful music journey! Tune in, and be inspired! Please subscribe, share, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Sales is more than just closing a deal—it's about the mindset that drives your interactions with potential clients. In this episode, we sit down with Jacob Hicks to unpack the nuances of a successful sales mindset. We explore why understanding the value of every interaction can have a profound effect on your business growth. Jacob emphasizes the importance of being genuinely curious about your customers' pain points, enabling you to uncover hidden opportunities for additional sales.

He discusses how to maintain a customer-centric approach, focusing on value selling as you engage with clients, ensuring their needs are met beyond the immediate issue at hand. We further delve into practical strategies for consistent follow-up that not only reinforce the value you provide but also help you stay present in the minds of your clients. Jacob also highlights the importance of maintaining an abundance mindset amid the challenges faced within the sales cycle.

Are you struggling to maintain motivation during slow sales periods? This episode will resonate with you as we share insights on celebrating small wins and the role of grit in overcoming obstacles. Jacob’s process includes affirmations and visualization to reset your mindset for each client interaction, aiming to create a better experience for you and them.

Whether you're in sales or looking to improve your business relations, this episode equips you with practical tools and inspiration to shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance. Tune in, discover new insights, and prepare to approach your sales strategy with renewed passion and purpose! Don’t forget to subscribe and share your thoughts with us after listening!

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

This episode dives into the power of mindset in business, exploring how our thoughts can hinder or help our success. Ricky Kalmon shares practical strategies to overcome self-doubt and foster a positive mindset, emphasizing ongoing personal growth and awareness are keys to achieving your goals.

• Recognizing the importance of mindset in personal and professional growth
• Addressing self-doubt and the common patterns that hinder success
• Strategies to foster positive thinking and challenge negative beliefs
• The transformative role of hypnosis in shifting mindset
• Building strong customer relationships through education and experience 

Get Ricky's Book "Leverage your Mindset" at Amazon

Get the App for your Iphone or android "Leverage Your Mindset" By Ricky Kalmon

Official Site: https://rickykalmon.com

Thanks for listening!
Please help us out with a follow, rate, and review!
All Things Chris! https://www.Chrislalomia

Have any questions or comments? Connect with me here!

Previous guests on The Small Business Safari include Amy Lyle, Ben Alexander, Joseph Sission, Jonathan Ellis, Brad Dell, Chris Hanks, C.T. Emerson, Chad Brown, Tracy Moore, Wayne Sherger, David Raymond, Paul Redman, Gabby Meteor, Ryan Dement, Barbara Heil Sonneck, Bryan John, Tom Defore, Rusty Clifton, Duane Johns, Beth Miller, Jason Sleeman, Andy Suggs, Chris Michel, Jon Ostenson, Tommy Breedlove, Rocky Lalvani, Amanda Griffey, Spencer Powell, Joe Perrone, David Lupberger, Duane C. Barney, Dave Moerman, Jim Ryerson, Al Mishkoff, Scott Specker, Mike Claudio and more!

-----

If you loved this episode try these!

• You Should be in the PeopleWare Business Not Just the Software Business | Mark Herschberg

• HR Usually Sucks…but It Doesn’t Have To | Wendy Sellers

• Are Leaders Born or Trained? – Ron Reich

-----

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Rob Macklin KNOWS mergers and acquisitions having done over 200 of them. He shares his knowledge RIGHT OFF BAT! Here we go! Depending on your exit strategy or planning, you will need to structure your business and personal finances to make it easier for someone to ‘see’ how well you are performing. They are also looking for how to use your platform to grow quicker and be more profitable. When you listen to this episode, I guarantee you will look at your business differently and will act on at least one piece of advice that Rob shares with us! I did ;) Did you know our amazing voices can go beyond just the microphone? Yes, we have video! Subscribe to our YouTube channel here!

-----

Rob’s Links:

•  LinkedIn | @robertlmacklin

•  Website | www.oneandfund.com 

-----

GOLD NUGGETS:

(00:00) - Business Valuation and Growth Strategies

(03:33) - Selling and Structuring a Company 101

(14:37) - Selling a Small Business

(26:34) - Investing in One and Fund Finance

(39:56) - Reserves, Law School, and Parenting

(45:48) - Book Recs, Home Features, & DIY Nightmares

-----

Books Mentioned:

• The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams

-----

Previous guests on The Small Business Safari include Amy Lyle, Ben Alexander, Joseph Sission, Jonathan Ellis, Brad Dell, Chris Hanks, C.T. Emerson, Chad Brown, Tracy Moore, Wayne Sherger, David Raymond, Paul Redman, Gabby Meteor, Ryan Dement, Barbara Heil Sonneck, Bryan John, Tom Defore, Rusty Clifton, Duane Johns, Beth Miller, Jason Sleeman, Andy Suggs, Chris Michel, Jon Ostenson, Tommy Breedlove, Rocky Lalvani, Amanda Griffey, Spencer Powell, Joe Perrone, David Lupberger, Duane C. Barney, Dave Moerman, Jim Ryerson, Al Mishkoff, Scott Specker, Mike Claudio and more!

-----

If you loved this episode try these!

• You Should be in the PeopleWare Business Not Just the Software Business | Mark Herschberg

• HR Usually Sucks…but It Doesn’t Have To | Wendy Sellers

• Are Leaders Born or Trained? – Ron Reich

-----

Have any questions or comments? Connect with me here!

From the Zoo to Wild is a book for entrepreneurs passionate about home services, looking to move away from corporate jobs. Chris Lalomia, a former executive, shares his path, discoveries, and tools to succeed as a small business owner in home improvement retail. The book provides the mindset, habits, leadership style, and customer-oriented processes necessary to succeed as a small business owner in home services.

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

The podcast dives into using data analytics and AI in the home service industry, featuring Phil Risher, who shares actionable insights for improving visibility, conversion rates, and retargeting strategies. Listeners discover the importance of personalized customer engagement and learn how to optimize their business processes to drive growth. 
• Importance of KPIs for business insights 
• Three pillars of growing a home service business: visibility, conversion, and retargeting 
• Urgency of timely customer follow-ups and personalized communication 
• Strategies for collecting and leveraging customer reviews 
• Utilizing automation and AI for lead management 
• Training technicians to spot and convert sales opportunities 
• Cultivating a culture of success within business teams

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Ever felt like you're at the top of your game but still battling feelings of inadequacy? After a month-long hiatus, I return with a candid reflection on navigating the rocky terrain of business setbacks, personal lows, and the facade of positivity. This episode offers a heartfelt journey through my holiday season slump, where Moana became an unexpected source of comfort, and resilience was the name of the game. Join me as I share insights on overcoming the ebbs and flows of entrepreneurship, reminding us all that sometimes the path back to positivity starts with acknowledging where we stand.

Who knew a pizza oven could change your life? Discover the magical world of the Ooni Karu 16, a Christmas gift that came with not just delicious homemade pizzas, but also an extraordinary customer service experience. Hear the story of how this oven brought unexpected joy and satisfaction, complete with a cracked stone crisis expertly handled by the Ooni team. Their exemplary service, coupled with my newfound pizza-making prowess, reaffirms the impact of genuine customer care and its ability to turn customers into brand advocates, much like the legendary service at Nordstrom.

Southern hospitality shines as we explore the cultural icons of Quick Trip and Waffle House. Learn why these establishments are more than just pit stops—they're experiences that epitomize spotless environments, friendly service, and unwavering efficiency. From the competitive pricing of Quick Trip to the 24/7 charm of Waffle House, these beloved Southern staples show how unique training and incentives create memorable customer interactions. Plus, our recent appearance on the 680 the Fan podcast connects us with the Atlanta community, where we share inspiring stories and invite you to join our continuing journey of growth and improvement.

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

On this episode of the Small Business Safari we welcome Chris Hanks! Did you know 11,000 businesses are started every hour in the U.S!? That is only one of Hanks's GOLD NUGGETS. We dive into this captivating discussion about leveling up you as a leader and your business. Hanks teaches us to learn the differences between a successful start-up and a not so successful start-up.  Take a listen to how to - not only keep yourbusiness going but - Scale Up!

 GOLD NUGGETS

• The Biggest Obstacle to Success is YOU!
• How to Fight Burnout as an Entrepreneur
• Courage and Faith Doesn't Help Without a Plan

 About Our Guest

Chris is the founder and Executive Director of the Institute for Entrepreneurship. He also serves as the Entrepreneur in Residence for theRussell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE). Prior to this, he was the founder and Executive Director of the entrepreneurship center at Kennesaw State University and the University of Georgia. Before becoming passionate about creating entrepreneurs, Chris was passionate about creating businesses. He has owned multiple businesses, including music, e-commerce, publishing, and export ventures.

Important Links

Chris Hanks's LinkedIn

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Dr. Brian Hill is a practicing surgeon who saw the disconnect between healthcare quality and price increases and decided to offer a disruptive model that better aligns with health needs and healthcare offerings. He started HIPnation as an entrepreneur trying to disrupt an industry and offer an alternative to traditional healthcare plans. HIPnation is on a trajectory to offer healthcare and challenge traditional thinking in ways that only small businesses and entrepreneurial minds can achieve. Did you know our amazing voices can go beyond just the microphone? Yes, we have video! Subscribe to our YouTube channel here!

-----

GOLD NUGGETS:

(00:00) - Revolutionizing Healthcare

(03:14) - Moments of Humor in Medical Journey

(12:16) - Reforming Healthcare Through Direct Contracting

(30:48) - Revolutionizing Healthcare Economics

(35:58) - Healthcare Pricing and Consumerism Discussion

(47:12) - Improving Healthcare for Business

(57:27) - Customer Service and Business Books

-----

Brian’s Links:

Website | https://hipnation.com/ 

-----

Book Mentioned: Good To Great - Jim Collins

-----

Previous guests on The Small Business Safari include Dale Cardwell, Amy Lyle, Ben Alexander, Joseph Sission, Jonathan Ellis, Brad Dell, Chris Hanks, C.T. Emerson, Chad Brown, Tracy Moore, Wayne Sherger, David Raymond, Paul Redman, Gabby Meteor, Ryan Dement, Barbara Heil Sonneck, Bryan John, Tom Defore, Rusty Clifton, Duane Johns, Jason Sleeman, Andy Suggs, Chris Michel, Jon Ostenson, Tommy Breedlove, Rocky Lalvani, Amanda Griffey, Spencer Powell, Joe Perrone, David Lupberger, Duane C. Barney, Dave Moerman, Jim Ryerson, Al Mishkoff, Scott Specker, Mike Claudio and more!

-----

If You Loved This Episode Try These!

• Mastering Your Marketing Rhythm with Jennifer Filson

• Turning 23 Years of McDonald's Franchise Ownership to an Entrepreneurial Lifestyle

• Attracting High-Value Clients with Irresistible Marketing Messages | Daniel Den

-----

Have any questions or comments? Connect with me here!

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!