Shows
The Small Business SafariCybersecurity Essentials for Small Business Survival | James SanfordSend us a textYour 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 co...2025-04-0151 minThe Small Business SafariScaling Your Business: When to Double Down and When to Hold Back | Karl MaierSend us a textKarl 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 mo...2025-03-2544 minThe Small Business SafariNetworking Your Way to Success | Luann RushinSend us a textLuann 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...2025-03-1847 minThe Small Business SafariInflation 2025: Navigating Tariffs and Rising CostsSend us a textWhat 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...2025-03-1127 min
The Small Business SafariThe Business of Music: More Than Just a Dream | Jay MauriceSend us a textStep 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 b...2025-03-0458 min
The Small Business SafariSales Mindset Mastery | Jacob HicksSend us a textSales 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 en...2025-02-2547 min
The Small Business SafariChad Abel's Journey through Engineering to EntrepreneurshipSend us a textFrom 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.2025-02-1848 min
The Small Business SafariMastering Mindset: Transforming Negativity into Business Success with Ricky KalmonSend us a textThis 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 experi...2025-02-1152 min
The Small Business Safari[Revisiting] Maximizing Business Valuation and Exploring Growth Strategies with Rob MacklinSend us a textRob 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...2025-02-0454 min
The Small Business SafariSecrets of Scaling and Customer Service Mastery - Phil Risher Phlash ConsultingSend us a textThe 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 t...2025-01-2850 min
The Small Business SafariTransforming Business with Subscription Models: Insights from Stu McLarenSend us a textFrom 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.2025-01-2145 min
The Small Business SafariOvercoming Slumps, Pizza Oven Transformations, and Southern HospitalitySend us a textEver 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...2025-01-1437 min
The Small Business Safari[Revisiting] How to Launch Your Business to the Stratosphere with Chris HanksSend us a textOn 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 NUGGETSThe Biggest Obstacle to Success is...2025-01-071h 01
The Small Business Safari[Revisiting] Revolutionizing Health Care Delivery - Dr. Brian Hill (HipNation)Send us a textDr. 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...2025-01-011h 04
The Small Business Safari[Revisiting] Reshaping the Tech Industry With a Customer Experience MindsetSend us a textOn this episode of the Small Business Safari we welcome Rich Sheridan! While his focus has always been around technology, his passion is actually process, teamwork and organizational design, with one inordinately popular goal: the Business Value of Joy! Rich goes in-depth on how he achieved these goals. So take a listen. I am sure any entrepreneur will learn something from this episode! Did you know our amazing voices can go beyond just the microphone? Yes, we have video! Subscribe to our YouTube channel here!-----Rich’s Links:...2024-12-2455 min
The Small Business SafariSmall Business Safari: From Law Firm Leadership to Holiday Traditions with Lisa ShippelSend us a textEver wondered how intuition plays a role in business success, or how Thanksgiving traditions can vary so widely? Join us as we embark on a "Small Business Safari," where we blend business insights with personal tales, offering a unique take on small business ownership. Our guest, Lisa Shippel, founder of Lisa Shippel Law, shares her inspiring career transformation from aspiring news broadcaster to accomplished lawyer. Lisa opens up about her journey in real estate and estate planning law, as well as her unexpected path to establishing a successful law firm. Her story i...2024-12-1757 minThe Small Business SafariUnlocking Small Business Success: AI Innovations, Storytelling, and Marketing Strategies with Wes GaySend us a textUnlock the secrets to small business triumphs with our expert guest, Wes Gay, as we explore the compelling world of storytelling and the groundbreaking influence of AI on entrepreneurship. Discover how positioning yourself as a "guide" can transform your marketing strategy, allowing your customers to shine as the true heroes of your business narrative. Alongside Wes, we pull back the curtain on powerful storytelling techniques, contrasting iconic strategies like Simon Sinek's "Start with Why" with real-world examples from the likes of Chick-fil-A.In our journey through the "Small Business Safari," we...2024-12-1048 min
The Small Business SafariFrom Humble Beginnings to Hardwood Success: Michael Keroack's Journey in Authentic EntrepreneurshipSend us a textHave you ever wondered how authenticity and company culture can catalyze small business success? Join us as we embark on a captivating journey into entrepreneurship with our esteemed guest, Michael Kerouac from Authentic Hardwoods. Michael takes us from his humble beginnings in Vernon, Connecticut, to navigating the challenges of building a thriving hardwood flooring business in Atlanta, Georgia. Through his compelling story, we shine a light on the power of mentorship, the essence of authenticity, and the transformation of a craftsman into a business leader.Michael's story is not just about...2024-12-0353 min
The Small Business SafariScaling Your Business: Real Stories, AI Innovations, and Membership MasterySend us a textEver wondered if you could scale your small business without the fairytale of overnight success? Get ready for a light-hearted yet informative journey through the handyman business world where we break down the real challenges and triumphs of growing a business. With our special guest Uzair, affectionately known as Uzi, we share humorous anecdotes, tackle the myth of instant success, and emphasize the importance of gradual growth and reinvestment. Listen in as we offer insights into stepping away from the daily grind and finding inspiration in thoughtful conversations.Explore the transformative...2024-11-2646 min
The Small Business SafariUnveiling Business Growth Strategies: Insights with Ellen Rohr on Tech, Trades, and Entrepreneurial SuccessSend us a textCharging more than it costs to provide a service was a revelation that transformed my entrepreneurial journey—and it might just transform yours too. Join us as we unpack this pivotal lesson and more with special guest Ellen Rohr from the Home Service Institute. Ellen shares her wealth of knowledge from the home services industry, helping us navigate business growth with practical insights and laughter. We also take a trip down memory lane to my recent visit to Texas, including the gargantuan facilities at Baylor University and a light-hearted sushi story that challenges th...2024-11-1955 min
The Small Business SafariFrom Family Business to Marketing Empire: Logan Shinholser Entrepreneurial JourneySend us a textWhat does it take to transition from working with your family's business to creating a successful marketing empire dedicated to contractors? Join us as we unpack the incredible journey of Logan Schindholzer, founder of Contractor Growth Network. Logan reveals the dynamic shift from working late nights and weekends for his dad's company to spearheading his own venture, using his athletic prowess and storytelling skills to navigate the entrepreneurial safari. Expect to gain invaluable insights into overcoming small business hurdles and capturing the unpredictable nature of success, much like the Detroit Tigers’ unexpected wins.2024-11-1252 min
The Small Business SafariScaling Small Businesses, Hitchhiking Tales, and Music Memories with Terry 'Doc' DockerySend us a textUnlock the secrets of scaling your small business with insights from our special guest, Terry "Doc" Dockery, as he shares wisdom on conflict resolution and finding happiness in entrepreneurship. We navigate the intricate dynamics of family-run businesses, offering key strategies to attract and retain talent, implement effective systems, and the importance of stepping back to work on your business instead of just in it. Through the inspiring story of an entrepreneur who transitioned from a humble printer shop to a thriving waterproofing business, we emphasize the power of mentorship and strategic growth.2024-11-0555 min
The Small Business SafariTransforming Your Pricing Strategy: Insights from John Ray on Boosting Business ValueSend us a textReady to transform your business pricing game? You'll gain the confidence to set the right prices and avoid common pitfalls with insights from our guest, John Ray, author of "The Generosity Mindset." We explore the complexities of pricing for small businesses, especially in home services and blue-collar industries, sharing strategies to navigate price-sensitive customers and boost your value proposition.Discover how a mindset shift in your marketing strategy can elevate your business. We discuss the transition from showcasing experience to emphasizing the transformative value you offer clients. Additionally, we delve into...2024-10-2754 min
The Small Business SafariFrom Numbers to Narratives: CT Emerson's Journey into Fiction and Creative EntrepreneurshipSend us a textAward-winning author and former accountant CT Emerson returns to the Small Business Safari podcast to share his remarkable journey from crunching numbers to crafting narratives. In our lively conversation, CT unveils the creative process behind his captivating Nova series, blending the magical allure of Harry Potter with the adventurous spirit of Indiana Jones, all while embracing his rich Mexican heritage. From vocal warm-up exercises to tales of his adventurous drive, we promise a mix of laughter and insight as we explore the art of building fictional worlds and the inspiration behind CT's literary...2024-10-2258 min
The Small Business SafariValue-Based Selling & How to Implement a Process For Business Success | Jay EiblerSend us a textWhat if you could transform your passion into a thriving business while mastering the art of sales? In this exciting episode, we journey through the world of small business ownership and sales coaching, starting with a captivating story from the automotive industry. Our guest shares their fascinating career path, from a love of cars to a pivotal role at Volkswagen Group, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and methodical preparation. With personal anecdotes and lessons learned, we caution against the pitfalls of impulsive business decisions and emphasize the value of a solid growth...2024-10-151h 04
The Small Business SafariLessons from History: Business Resilience, 9/11 Reflections, and Adventures with Ian HaySend us a textWhat critical lessons can small business owners learn from historical crises? Join us as we uncover the importance of consulting seasoned professionals to avoid common pitfalls and share how costly real-time learning can be by drawing parallels to the Spanish flu. Ian Hayden rejoins us to share his international adventures and exclusive finds, including rare whiskey bottles from the Czech Republic. We also reflect on the lasting significance of 9/11, honoring the memory of that impactful day and discussing its aftermath.Relive the harrowing memories of the 9/11 attacks as we recount the...2024-10-0149 min