Shows
Business Partner PartnersEp. 101/ Copycat Cafe: A New Language Learning Experience, Friends to Lovers, Corporate to Start-UpBen and Nur join Chrissy and Ryan from their new home of Cyprus to discuss their business, Copycat Cafe, a language learning app that helps users learn by copying native speakers rather than memorizing grammar and vocabulary like traditional apps. They share how they went from being friends for 11 years to starting a business together, and what it’s been like building a startup as partners. Since Ben began developing the app before Nur joined, they dive into the challenges and rewards of Nur leaving the corporate world to jump into startup life. This episode is a fun and in...
2026-01-2836 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 100/ 2025 Coffee Shop & Bar Recap: What Sold, What Grew, What's NextThe most popular episode from 2025 is back- a recap of the previous year! Chrissy and Ryan jump on to talk about our year over year growth, the categories that sold the most, what category is creeping towards the winning spot, what email subject lines got clicks, and what we're feeling about the year 2026. And, just like last year, we have too many things uncategorized in Square so we gave our self a to-do from making this episode, as well- whew. Tune in to this milestone episode with us!
2026-01-1423 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 98/ A Controversial Day We're Open for BusinessIn this duet episode Chrissy and Ryan discuss the history of Mountain Goat opening on Christmas Day: the pros, the cons, and the future of opening on (arguably) the biggest holiday of the year. Mountain Goat is a special place for the community and Ryan always wanted it to be open on Christmas for people who didn't have anywhere to go or were ready to see other faces other than family, but they discuss their pivot and the plans for 2025 Christmas. Tune in!
2025-12-1711 minBusiness Partner PartnersEp. 97/ Beat the Holiday Rush: Smart Prep Tips for Business OwnersNovember & December are WILD and Chrissy is here to share how Mountain Goat, a coffee shop, cafè and bar, preps for the busy months. This will be the 8th holiday season Mountain Goat has survived, and Chrissy has learned a lot about how to do it well along the way. She shares tips on when and how to schedule staff, update the sick and emergency policies, events and promotion planning, retail displays, online presence, and moreee! Tune in to chat with your business friend!
2025-12-0314 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 96/ Is My Business Normal?: A Convo Between Two Business Owners from Different IndustriesIn this episode, Chrissy sits down with her friend and fellow business owner, Suzie Bunn of Statice Event Design- a full service floral and event design company. Chrissy & Suz discuss their recent experiences in their very different industries- coffee shop and floral/event design, and things that are normal that you wouldn’t suspect. Suzie comes at her business with a humility and empathy for her client, and Chrissy discusses the mindset shift she takes when looking at her bank account. Work with Suzie: Statice Event Design
2025-11-1923 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 95/ Franchise or Flames: Current Status of Business OwnershipJoin Chrissy and Ryan on this check in episode where they discuss, due to recent events and current status, whether or not this business couple would like to franchise Mountain Goat or flame Mountain Goat (aka burn it down). You may be surprised to hear that they're on the same page today, but tune in to hear some insight into what's been going on and the reasons they are both choosing the same F word.
2025-11-0523 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 93/ Criticism Happens—Here’s How Small Business Owners Can Handle ItEver gotten a piece of criticism that stung? Yep, us too. After seven years in business, Chrissy & Ryan have heard it all—and they’re sharing the deets. From recent feedback to unforgettable zingers, they’re breaking down how to handle criticism without letting it ruin your day, sort what’s helpful from what’s not, and even use it to level up your business. Because let’s be real: if you’re running a business, criticism will happen—so let’s talk about how to handle it like a pro and not get sent into a spiral.
2025-10-0820 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 92/ Don't Be Dumb Like Me: A Cautionary Tale to Prioritize the Worst Parts of your Job.Honestly, this solo quick episode from Chrissy is embarrassing, but maybe helpful? Tune in to hear about a mistake Chrissy made that was discovered a day before leaving the country for 9 days and how it's a reminder to stay on top of all of the worst things about your job.
2025-10-0110 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 91/Imago MRI: The Couple Redefining Diagnostic Care by Putting Patients First, Building a Family Business, and Planning a Lasting LegacyYou may think that learning about a medical diagnostic imaging center may not relate at all to your business, but we promise the wisdom and experience in this episode is a must listen for all couples running a business together or if you're simply interested in a fascinating business plan. This remote episode dives into the story behind Imago MRI, a couple-owned diagnostic imaging center that’s redefining healthcare by putting patients first. Craig and Dr. Laurel Lemasters openly share the unique, fun, and sometimes challenging experience of launching a business together after spending much of their marriage in ve...
2025-09-1751 min
Business Partner PartnersEp 90/ The Gang is Back (Ryan and Chrissy are the Only Members): Will We Ever Feel Caught Up?Chrissy and Ryan pop in to recap the summer including an exciting work trip for Chrissy, big work change for Ryan, what's brining us joy about Mountain Goat and what's stressing us out. This ep will make you feel better about everything you're behind on in your business and life. Come be friends with us.
2025-09-1022 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 89/ John Jeter: Lessons From The Handlebar Music Venue — Why “Never Book Anyone You’re a Fan Of” Works in BusinessFrom 1994 to 2014, The Handlebar was the spot to catch live music in a mid-sized venue in Greenville, SC. Chrissy & Ryan saw plenty of shows there, but only recently discovered it was run by a couple—John Jeter and Kathy Laughlin. After leaving their newspaper jobs in Florida in the early 90's, the pair moved to the Upstate with one bold goal: open a music venue, despite having zero experience in the industry. In this episode, Chrissy & Ryan sit down with John Jeter, the booking mastermind behind The Handlebar, to hear the venue’s origin story, behind-the-scenes tales, and p...
2025-09-0354 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 88/Optimize Your Flo: A Non-Traditional Way to Increase Profit, Communication in Marriage, and Feeling GOOD as a Female Business Owner.This episode is unlike anything we’ve done before. Chrissy sits down with health coach and owner of Berrion Berry to explore how women can optimize their lives—and their businesses—by syncing with their menstrual cycle. It’s a topic that was once considered taboo, but we’re diving into the science behind it to uncover how female entrepreneurs can thrive by working with their bodies, not against them. Plus, we talk about how male partners can better understand and support their female partners’ cycles to improve planning, communication, and overall harmony. This is a fresh, non-traditional way to level up y...
2025-08-2744 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 87/ Counseling-ish: When to Say Sorry, Love Languages in Business, If the Business Disappeared What Would We Do.Welcome back to Counselingish—aka free business couples therapy with Chrissy, Ryan, and their bestie/pastor Lee McDerment. Expect plenty of laughs, a few “uh-oh” moments, and the kind of questions only your best friend would dare to ask.
2025-08-2057 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 86/ Crown and Bloom Coffee: From a Vintage Camper to Brick & Mortar Reno with Plans to Expand, Two Couples Running Multiple Businesses.Corey and Baylee Simpson went from small-town roots to launching multiple businesses including their newest one: a mobile coffee shop in a vintage camper—now evolving into a soon-to-open brick-and-mortar café, currently mid-renovation, with bold expansion plans ahead. In this episode, we explore how their personal journeys led them to offer only gluten-free products, their strategy behind limited-edition merch drops, and the teamwork that makes it all possible. They’re opening this business with another couple, longtime partners in multiple ventures. Along the way, you’ll hear how both couples have learned to play to each other’s strengths—and why, if...
2025-08-1349 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 85/Does Chrissy Want to Close Mountain Goat? Ryan Interviews ChrissyOn this interview episode, Ryan puts Chrissy in the hot seat to answer some surprise questions that lead to some deep business insights. We're talking second location, closing down, changing the business model, and more. Tune in to this quick episode to hear more about the ins and outs of this couple running a business together!Subscribe to our newsletter.
2025-06-2524 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 84/ Business, Reflections, and Pipe Dreams: Chrissy Interviews RyanIn this very unserious episode, Chrissy interviews Ryan and asks all the juicy questions about what it’s really like to run a business as a married couple—including a few gems from Ryan’s days as a child businessman. From honest truths to wild pipe dreams, you’ll get a candid peek behind the curtain—plus Ryan’s hot take on whether every couple should work together. Don’t miss this lighthearted yet insightful look into their business and marriage dynamic.Sign up for our newsletter.
2025-06-1820 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 83/ 4 Practical Tips to Avoid Fighting When You Run a Business with Your SpouseIn this solo episode, Chrissy shares 4 practical tips to help you fight less when running a business with your spouse—based on real-life arguments she and Ryan have had while building Mountain Goat together. Learn from their experience, laugh a little, and walk away with tools to protect both your business and your marriage. It’s a quick, easy listen with plenty of honest insight. Got your own tips? Send them our way!Subscribe to our newsletter
2025-06-1110 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 82/ Yes Cocktail Co.: From Farmers Market to Nationwide Shipping, Theater Couple Turned Entrepreneurs, Business of Mixology, & Understanding Consumer PreferencesMeet Lauren and Brandon Alpert, actors who fell in love and, just three weeks later, embarked on an international theater tour. Their global adventure sparked a passion for craft cocktails, inspiring them to launch Yes Cocktail Co. to bring restaurant-quality mixers to homes across the U.S. From their start at a farmers market to nationwide shipping, their step-by-step journey showcases the grit and perseverance honed by their acting backgrounds. Aspiring entrepreneurs and couples in business will find inspiration and insights in their story. Tune in!Yes Cocktail Co. Sign up for Business Partner Partners...
2025-06-0450 minBusiness Partner PartnersEp. 81/ Balancing Parenting & Business: Summer Success TipsJoin Chrissy for a solo episode sharing proven strategies for balancing parenthood and business ownership during the busy summer months. She offers practical, actionable advice and key mindset shifts to ensure you, your family, and your team are set up for success. Tune in to learn how to manage the demands of summer while keeping your business on track.Learn more and subscribe to our newsletter!
2025-05-2812 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 80/ Our Lead Team Spills All on Hiring, Culture, and Finding Your Business’s WhyIn this episode, Chrissy and Ryan sit down for a heartfelt chat with Georgia and Grace, Mountain Goat’s Operations Manager and Assistant Manager. The duo shares memories from their hiring process, insights into the vibrant staff culture that’s kept them both with the company for over 2.5 years, and plenty of behind-the-scenes laughs. Perfect for listeners curious about Mountain Goat’s inner workings or seeking practical tips to create a workplace where staff thrive.Sign up for our newsletter!
2025-05-2135 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 79/Social Media Who? Use SEO to Make Your Website the Real MVP & Your Biggest Online Asset.In this episode, Chrissy sits down with Faith Hanan—copywriter and SEO strategist—to talk about why ignoring SEO is a mistake you can't afford to make. Faith breaks down the basics of SEO in a way that's simple, practical, and actually fun. You'll walk away with actionable tips to help Google work for you, not against you. If you're a business owner ready to strengthen your online presence and set yourself up for long-term success, this episode is a must-listen.Work with FaithSign up for our newsletter!
2025-05-1435 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 78/ Fit Mom Method: Evolving and Adapting as a Business, Finding Fulfillment at Work, and the Mindset Behind a Thriving PartnershipBrandon and Emily Wiseman founded Fit Mom Method to support busy moms not just in losing weight, but in transforming their mindset. In this episode, Chrissy and Ryan sit down with the couple to talk about their early relationship (they met at the gym—how fitting!), how they navigate business decisions together, the evolution of their business, and what drives their passion for helping women thrive. Fit Mom Method Fit Mom Instagram: @fitmom.methodSign up for Business Partner Partners Newsletter!
2025-05-0744 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 77/ The Surprising Power of Celebrating Your Staff DifferentlyIn this episode, Chrissy and Ryan recap the Inaugural Golden Goat Awards—a staff celebration where employees dressed in cocktail attire and received actual GOAT trophies tailored to their unique qualities. While they touch on the logistics of planning the event, the heart of the episode is about sparking ideas to celebrate and appreciate your team, no matter the size. As a small business owner—whether you’re solo or working with your spouse—finding creative ways to show your team they matter is essential. You'll come away inspired with new ideas to make your staff feel truly valued.New...
2025-04-3021 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 76/ Can Your Business Survive Without You? Ask These Questions First.Leaving your business—whether it’s for a day, a week, or a month—can feel overwhelming. How do you step away without everything falling apart? In this episode, Chrissy walks through key questions to ask yourself before heading out of town or taking a much-needed mental health break. Taking time off has huge benefits, but the stress of preparing to leave can sometimes feel heavier than the break itself. Chrissy shares why it’s always worth it—and how stepping away can actually reveal important gaps in your business that are ready to be filled.
2025-04-2315 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 75/ Podcast or Pass - Caroline Hull on Small Biz Podcast Strategy, Consistency, and the Future of VideoIn this episode, Chrissy sits down with Caroline Hull, founder of Wild Home Podcasting, to talk all things small business and podcasting. Caroline is a podcast strategist who helps women coaches and consultants grow their businesses through strategic podcasting.She shares her unexpected journey from ballerina to podcasting pro (trust us—you’ll want to hear it), how to define your goals and measure success, and why podcasting can be such a powerful tool for building community. We also dive into the rise of video, the pivots she's made in her business, and how those shifts have shap...
2025-04-1635 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 74 / Agency Long: Creative Power Couple, Niching Down, Trusting a Woman’s Intuition, Scaling E-Commerce with SoulIn this episode, Chrissy and Ryan chat with Nicolle and Zack Long of Agency Long — a married duo helping fashion brands and boutiques scale their e-commerce businesses. They share their rom-com-worthy love story, the early days of entrepreneurship, and how they found their niche by blending strategy, intuition, and creativity. Nicolle and Zack have created a beautiful balance between business and life that’s both inspiring and relatable, whether you’re a couple starting a business or an entrepreneur figuring out how to make it all work. Tune in for a fun, insightful conversation with this amazing power couple.w...
2025-04-0949 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 73/ Go from Marketing Overwhelm to Strategy That Works with Leah Lawson of The Rock It! Co.In this episode, Chrissy sits down with Leah Lawson, Founder and CEO of The Rock It! Co.—a full-service marketing and events company based in Greenville, SC. This conversation feels like a laid-back brainstorming session with a friend who’s overflowing with business wisdom and happy to share it. No matter where you are in your business journey, you’ll walk away with valuable insights—whether it’s email marketing or finding non social media marketing strategies that actually work! Leah also shares insight into what it’s like to run a business while her partner runs his own. Tune in for...
2025-04-0244 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 72/ Make Customers *LIKE* Your EmailsThe best low cost marketing resource? Emails. In this episode, Chrissy shares her experience with emails (albeit very imperfect) and breaks down how to figure out your goals for sending emails. From nailing the hook to adding a personal touch, Chrissy covers why pictures matter more than words, how to keep your tone consistent (without getting stale), and why your sign-off matters. Tune in to tune up your email strategy (see what I did there!?).
2025-03-1913 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 71/ When Business Goals Fall Flat: How to Regain Confidence, Adjust Your Focus, and Keep Moving ForwardChrissy and Ryan get real about the tough stuff—when business goals don’t pan out and expectations fall flat. They dive into why confidence is key to avoiding the comparison trap, how shifting from the big picture to the small picture can help you reset, and why learning to move on quickly is a game-changer. Plus, they'll discuss how they received a reminder from their children about the best way to have good perspective on their perceived shortcomings. Tune in for practical tips on moving on and moving forward with confidence.
2025-03-1221 minBusiness Partner PartnersEp. 70/ Crash Course: Running A Biz With Your PartnerIn this episode, Chrissy sits down to recap the top tips, insights, and lessons they've gathered from interviewing entrepreneurial couples over the past year and a half. Whether you're already in business with your partner or considering it, this quick, insightful episode will help you navigate common challenges, avoid pitfalls, and set yourselves up for success—no matter how the business itself turns out.
2025-03-0517 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 69/ Money Makeover: How We’re Spending Differently in 2025Join Chrissy for a quick but insightful chat about the big (and little) changes in how they’re managing money at Mountain Goat this year. She shares some eye-opening (and slightly embarrassing) financial habits, details on Mountain Goat’s switch to a new accounting system, and a bold move from a paid service to a free one—stay tuned to see if it’s worth it...If you’ve been thinking about reworking your budget, this episode will get your wheels turning. Tune in now!Links!Profit First Keynote Video (shout out to Kristin...
2025-02-2614 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 68/ Counselor Tips for Business Ownership, How to Stay Sane in your Mind and Regulate your BodyRunning a business can be rocky at times, with extreme highs and lows all in a single day, (maybe even within an hour)! In this episode, Chrissy sits down with Kathryn Short, co-owner and co-founder of Reedy River Counseling and a Licensed Professional Counselor, to discuss the mental and physical toll of entrepreneurship.They explore practical strategies for managing stress, the impact of nutrition on focus, mood, and productivity, and how to build a lifestyle that supports long-term well-being. If you need a reminder—and actionable steps—on maintaining your mental health while running a business, this epis...
2025-02-1931 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 67/ Copy Our Simple Content Calendar for Small BusinessesJoin Chrissy for a quick episode on how Mountain Goat keeps content simple and manageable and keeps people coming in the door for more coffee, beer, and waffles! With so much happening behind the scenes, they needed a calendar that made sense without adding extra work. Chrissy shares how dividing social media tasks among the team helps and the best way to keep everyone on the same page. If you want to stay on top of content without overcomplicating it, this episode is for you!
2025-02-1215 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 66 – Southern Crafted Shutters: Shutters Aside (Get It?!), This One’s Packed with Wisdom for ALL Businesses.If you think running a shutter business sounds boring, Adam and Kristin are here to prove you so wrong. These two started out building and selling barn doors, but when shutters stole the show, they went all in—and haven’t looked back. In this episode, they share their wisdom on trial and error, team building, and making bold business moves by jumping in quickly and figuring it out later. No matter what kind of business you run, you’ll find golden nuggets of wisdom you can apply right away- both from their mistakes and their wins. Don’t miss thi...
2025-02-0544 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 65/ Artificial Intelligence: It Will Change Your Small Business in 2025—Make Sure It’s for the BetterAI in Small Business: Hype or Help? Ryan breaks down the basics of artificial intelligence in a quick "AI for Dummies" lesson, making it easy to understand if you haven’t kept up. Then, Chrissy and Ryan dive into how AI is impacting their coffee and waffle business. While robots won’t be making lattes at Mountain Goat anytime soon, they share how they’re using AI now, future possibilities, and practical tips for incorporating AI into your own business. If you’re unsure where to start with the AI world, this episode is for you!
2025-01-2929 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 64/ Chrissy's Worst Day of 2025It’s not that serious—but even after 6.5 years of running a business, tough learning moments still happen. In this storytelling episode, Chrissy shares a challenging day at Mountain Goat when she had to face the chaos with her team. As a couple running a coffee and waffle shop, they know every day brings unique lessons and opportunities to grow—both together and independently, and Ryan was actually taking care of their children on this very day! Tune in to laugh at the mess-ups, learn from the mistakes, and feel less alone on the bad days of your business, becaus...
2025-01-2220 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 63/ Marco Suarez, Methodical Coffee: Multi-Location Expansion Timing, Money, Challenges, & LessonsIn this episode, Chrissy chats with Marco Suarez, one of the three owners of Methodical Coffee, Greenville, SC based Roaster and Coffee Shop about what it’s really like to open a second, third and (almost!) 4th brick-and-mortar location. Marco shares how they figured out it was the right time to expand, the financial and market factors that went into the decision, and whether it was all part of a plan or just a great opportunity that came along. They also talk about the vibe of each location, how to keep things consistent when you’re running more than one...
2025-01-1544 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 62/ A Peek Behind The Curtain: 2024 Numbers Recap-What Sold, What Worked, What Ruled.Ever wonder what makes a business tick behind the scenes? Join Chrissy and Ryan as they spill the beans on this episode all about 2024—sharing the top-selling items, the email subject line that made customers click, and other insider secrets you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re looking for actionable tips to boost your own business or just curious to peek behind the curtain of ours, this is your chance to lean in, listen, and learn!Website: www.partnerpartners.netInsta: @businesspartnerpartners
2025-01-0830 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 61/ Rick Bryson, Branding Professional: What is Branding, When and How to Rebrand, Branding on a BudgetChrissy sits down with Rick Bryson, Creative Director at Cargo, a full-service marketing agency in Greenville, SC, to explore the essentials of branding. This episode pairs perfectly with our discussion on marketing (see Ep. 59 with Jeremy Elrod) since branding and marketing are often confused—but they’re not the same! Rick offers invaluable advice for anyone building a brand, considering a rebrand, or looking to strategically expand an established brand. A must-listen for business owners who care about how their customers perceive them!Rick's Newly Published Book, Movies With Balls
2025-01-0146 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 60/ BEST of for Chrissy, 2024: Book, Movie, Podcast, and more!In this solo episode, Chrissy discusses what she loved in 2024 and that made her year better in all the different categories. This is a fun, quick listen to get some suggestions for your personal & business life and to get to know a little bit more about what inspires her! Come be friends with Chrissy! website: www.partnerpartners.net insta: @businesspartnerpartners
2024-12-1813 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 59/ Jeremy Elrod, Marketing Expert: Does Marketing = Social Media?, Keeping Up with Trends, How To Spend Your Limited Marketing BudgetChrissy sits down with Jeremy Elrod, Owner and Business Coach of The Candid Entrepreneur, Owner and Idealist at Ideal Scenario, and co- founder of Common Pops to chat all things marketing. Jeremy's career path has given him a wide and deep marketing education which you'll quickly find by listening to this episode and taking in all of the tangible marketing tips and mindset shifts he has to offer. Chrissy and Jeremy discuss everything from how AI is affecting marketing to how we should really try to focus on who we are as a business before spending any money on...
2024-12-1151 min
Business Partner PartnersStatice & Greenville Outdoor Living: The Bunns Balance Running two Businesses Separately, but Very Much Together.The first episode of this kind: an interview with a couple who each run their own business, but share an office, ideas, and their family! Chrissy and Ryan sit down with Suzie Bunn and Steven Bunn to discuss everything from how to communicate with each other when you're each growing a new business, the ways they help each other out through brainstorming, growing, and holding each other accountable, and their goals and dreams for their businesses. This is a true power couple that has so much wisdom and insight that they share and you'll love them the moment you...
2024-12-0445 min
Business Partner PartnersThree Questions to Stir Up Gratefulness for your BusinessIt's easy to think of all the parts of your business that make your life harder, but what if you took the time to think about what your business has brought you that makes you feel thankful? Join Chrissy as she guides you through the three questions that will lead you to feeling more grateful around your business. This episode leads you down a path of adjusting your mindset to see all the good, even in the hard. instagram: @businesspartnerpartnerswebsite: www.partnerpartners.net
2024-11-2715 min
Business Partner PartnersBe a Fly on the Wall: What's Not Working on our Podcast.Chrissy confronts Ryan with a surprise conversation about the future of the podcast that he never saw coming. We discuss the ways our podcast has worked well and what we're going to do differently moving forward. Learning to pivot in a business is an important skill to have and we're employing this skill as we move forward with our podcast. To break it down: you'll be hearing more from Chrissy and other experts! Insta: @businesspartnerpartnerswebsite: www.partnerpartners.net
2024-11-2219 min
Business Partner PartnersSmall Business Finances from a CPA: The Pigs Get Fat, the Hogs Get Slaughtered.Scott Karr, Mountain Goat's CPA, sits down with Chrissy to offer his time and wisdom with small business accounting. We discuss everything from what expectations you should have of a CPA, how to avoid tax problems, and biggest mistakes small business owners make with their finances. This is a must listen for any small business owner because the practicality is priceless in this one! Give it a listen! Apologies in advance for Ryan being out of town and the audio being questionable on this episode. Work with KTP Advisors: email scott@ktp-advisors.comIn...
2024-11-1337 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 54/ Rabbit Crest Farms: Farmer Florists, Hot Sauce to a Full Farm, A Power Point Business Plan, and Volunteering to Learn.Sarah and Elijah Kivett own and operate a small organic, no-till farm near Greenville, SC that has grown from 20 to 100 fifty foot beds in a little over a 2 year span where they grow vegetables and flowers that are sold at local farmer's markets and through u-pick opportunities on their farm. We discuss many topics in this episode including selling everything you own to invest in your dream, learning from youtube, volunteering to learn the craft, weather affecting your mood, future plans for the farm, and how Sarah and Elijah balance each other out in every season. Their story is...
2024-11-0645 min
Business Partner PartnersCounseling-ish 2: The Deep Marital Dynamics of Running a Business Uncovered.Chrissy and Ryan are back at it with one of their best friends and pastor, Lee McDerment. We clarify early on that Lee is not a licensed counselor, so do not treat this information as such, but it could be useful to hear. The questions of "how is your soul?" and "what do you rate your marriage from a 1-10?" are answered and picked apart and we probably went a little deeper/more vulnerable than we were planning, so you better listen and find some value. This is another ep to make you feel less alone in the business...
2024-10-3144 min
Business Partner PartnersQ4: Make it the Best Quarter of the Year with these Strategies to Maximize Profit.Chrissy and Ryan chime in with some plans and ideas for how to end 2024 with a bang. We discuss pending price increases, capitalizing on the holidays, merch plans, email marketing, and social media. The end of the year feels like a sprint, but with proper planning it can be your best quarter of the year. Join us in discussing our plans and make some plans of your own.insta: @businesspartnerpartnerswebsite: www.partnerpartners.net
2024-10-2320 min
Business Partner PartnersHurricane & A Small Biz: Our Story, the Aftermath, and Moving ForwardA serious storm hit the southeast United States late September leaving some people and businesses in a really bad place. Parts of Western North Carolina, about an hour north of us, fully lost their buildings, but for us, we lost power for a bit over a week which means we lost revenue for over a week. That’s a big hit for a small biz and we discuss how we handled it, the steps we took, and what we’ve learned from it. This is a reflective recap on our time during Hurricane Helene. Overall, we feel grateful to be s...
2024-10-1627 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 50/ The Daisy, a Husband and Wife Owned Restaurant in Santa Barbara, California: Naming a Restaurant, Learning to Trust Yourself, and Falling into the Restaurant Business.Dominic and Carmen started as friends who liked to sit together at parties in Los Angeles and after much time (8 years!) fell in love and got married. They decided to take a year sabbatical in Scotland where Carmen first began to discover her love for cooking. Dominic began courses to learn the business side of running a restaurant and they started with a small restaurant in Santa Barbara (where they had to cater in and out of each day!), Book Ends Cafe. This got their feet wet in the business and after closing this cafe, took some time off...
2024-10-0947 min
Business Partner PartnersEp. 49/ Watershed: Rent or Buy for your Business, Advantages of Using a Broker, The Whole Process of an Idea to a Physical Space, Selling a BusinessToday we're joined by Joseph Fuduric and Cameron Smith of Watershed, a commercial real estate broker that supports independently owned businesses by providing a personal and friendly approach to buy, sell + lease commercial real estate in Upstate SC. We hit them with all the small biz questions about renting versus buying a property, the process of signing a lease and what to look for, how a broker can help you in the process, and also when and how to sell your business if you know it's time. This episode is full of nuggets for someone with a brick and...
2024-10-0241 min
Business Partner PartnersAnother Round: New Business Follow up Episode! Pivots, Marketing, Challenges, and Looking Forward.Our first ever repeat guests, Corinne and Cory Wickline, join us to chat about Another Round- their disc golf shop and taproom which opened in Greenville, SC in April 2024. We first chatted with them 3 weeks into their business, and now we're following up with them 6 months into owning and operating their business. Their perspective is interesting and also exciting and we talk about everything from their feelings to what's working to how they've pivoted. Getting to be a part of their journey thus far has been a blast. Come along the journey with us!insta: @anotherroundgreenville...
2024-09-2545 min
Business Partner PartnersWould You Rather: Business EditionJoin in on this fun episode with Chrissy and Ryan as we play the classic game of Would You Rather, but with questions about our business. Both Chrissy and Ryan prepared would you rather questions in advance to surprise the other one which led to some solid debates on the answers. This is a good one to listen to not feel alone in the struggles you have as a couple and the way we always have to think about the 'what ifs' of business ownership. website: www.partnerpartners.netinsta: @businesspartnerpartners
2024-09-1827 min
Business Partner PartnersLumineux Chocolate: Two Culinary Grads, Virtual Chocolate Tastings, The Process of Chocolate, Adding an Additional BrandBen and Becca Snyder started their ethically sourced chocolate business in 2020 after falling in love with chocolate and seeing a hole in the Greenville market. They were discovered when Ben went on a podcast, The Pitch, and talked about Lumineux Chocolate which was a huge stepping stone for their growing business which started out of their apartment. Now operating out of Traveler's Rest, SC they're making and distributing chocolate all over South Carolina and The United States. With their marketing strategy and a new brand of chocolate that makes ethically sourced delicious chocolate available to everyone, the sky's the...
2024-09-1142 min
Business Partner PartnersThe Three Hardest Business Lessons We've Learned and Mindset Hacks When These Challenges Arise.Join Chrissy and Ryan on this duet episode where we discuss the three hardest lessons we've learned in our business and the mindset hacks for each challenge. We talk about being liked, other people, and how to solve problems. This is a good listen for anyone who has had challenges in their business or will have challenges (which is everyone!) so I guess you should all listen. :) Insta: @businesspartnerpartnersWebsite: www.partnerpartners.net
2024-09-0424 min
Business Partner PartnersVictory Garden Studio: 2 Artists Running 1 Business, Making Creativity Your Job, Setting Your Business Prices.Jesse and Carissa Bowser got to know each other over late night drawing sessions on their college campus and then long story short- one day Jesse declared he would marry Carissa. Their relationship started based on their shared love of art and they've now transitioned into working together full-time making art. Victory Garden Studio, their business, focuses on graphic design, custom illustration, and hand painted murals. They work with all different types of clients for the design and art needs from concept to completion. They discuss how they've grown their business slowly and sustainably while staying true to themselves...
2024-08-2847 min
Business Partner PartnersCope & Crew Landscaping: Have the Confidence in Yourself, Why You Should Have a Business Burner Phone, Good Cop Bad Cop, Kissing at Lunch.From dabbling in construction to running a full blown company providing full service exterior design projects and weekly landscape management, Stephen and Cindy are out here growing a business well as a couple. After a failed high school relationship, they rekindled the flame in college and it was the fast track to marriage at that time. Their mostly self-taught skills have brought them to the point where they have hired a team and are now tackling projects they never dreamed of completing. At the core, they are putting each other first and after hearing this you’ll be inspired in...
2024-08-2148 min
Business Partner PartnersFive Tactics to Stay Top of Mind for your Customers: Where We've Seen Success!Nowadays, the options are plentiful for any type of business and we all have the equal playing field of the internet. So how do we make sure our customers are thinking about us when they think about our industry? In this episode, Chrissy and Ryan discuss 5 tactics to make sure you are at the top of your customer's minds. These will apply to any industry and we hope that our experience figuring these out will be helpful to you! Tune in!Insta: @businesspartnerpartnersWebsite: www.partnerpartners.net
2024-08-1421 min
Business Partner PartnersNon-profit or For-profit? How to Start Both and What to Expect.This week Chrissy interviews Ryan about starting a non-profit. What is it? What isn't it? Why should you do it? Why shouldn't you? We'll help you understand how Mountain Goat works and where it came from, as well has Ryan's journey starting, growing and leading a non-profit, all the way to no longer leading a non-profit. insta: @businesspartnerpartnerswebsite: www.partnerpartners.net
2024-08-0841 min
Business Partner PartnersThree Tricks To Combat Envy in Business: Learn Their Story, Work on Your Own Business, and Seek Truth.Is it okay to be envious of another business? Or jealous? Are they the same? We don’t really know, but today Chrissy and Ryan are diving into an episode with some major mindset tips that can be used when you're getting caught in that comparison trap or wanting what another business has. This is a good episode to listen to if you feel like you’re the only business that isn’t thriving around you- spoiler alert: it’s hard for everyone and you’re not alone. insta: @businesspartnerpartnerswebsite: www.partnerpartners.net
2024-08-0122 min
Business Partner PartnersWhy Travel Matters for your Business: Inspiration, Clear Minds, and What We’re Taking from our Most Recent Travels.Ryan and Chrissy pop in for a quick episode from vacation in Kiawah Island, South Carolina to talk about how travel and getting a break from your business can bring inspiration that you could never attain by staying at home and just working in your business. The ability to have time away and afford travel is certainly a privilege, but if you’re able, it will reap benefits for your business that will be worth it. Take the time! Insta: @businesspartnerpartnersWebsite: www.partnerpartners.net Mentions: @orval.studio @pegasuscoffee @nomadcoff
2024-07-2515 min
Business Partner PartnersHOW TO: Impress with Karaoke AND your Business Website.Join Chrissy on a solo episode today with some life learned lessons about how to sing karaoke, choose your karaoke song based on the crowd, and which songs are on the ‘DO NOT SING’ list. Then transition very smoothly into the conversation about our most recent website rebrand using Squarespace. Chrissy lays out everything your website should have and why it’s important for a business to have one. Life and Business tips, what more could you want?!website: partnerpartners.netinsta: @businesspartnerpartners
2024-07-1718 min
Business Partner PartnersThe Coffee Episode: Equipment, Cupping, Blends, Grinding, and What You'll Need to Start!Ryan and Chrissy describe their journey to caffeine (and how Starbies has single handedly made kids start drinking coffee at an early age!!). This dining room table episode dives deep into the specific equipment we use for our shop, why we think it's important to make our own syrups, and how we decide seasonal drink menus. Ryan chats about his cupping experience with Methodical to choose our very own blend and what types of roasts we use for all of our offerings. We talk about the one coffee shop fave thing that we'll never do at Mountain Goat. This...
2024-07-1036 min
Business Partner PartnersOur Cutest & Most Loved Guests Yet: Running a Small Business as a Family.Today we have two special guests on the show- our children, Mae (8) and Bert (6). We think it's important to involve them in our lives, business, and podcast! They have been watching us work on this podcast for almost a year and were ready for their moment in the spotlight. They prepared some questions to ask us (some appropriate, some not) and we asked them some questions, as well. This is a fun family episode and a good reminder never to take ourselves too seriously. insta: @businesspartnerpartnerswebsite: partnerpartners.net
2024-07-0326 min
Business Partner PartnersOne Important Tip to Share this Week. But also, How We're Making Our Business (and Podcast) Work For Our Family.Join Ryan for a (quick) solo episode this week. We share a couple ways we're making our business - and podcast - work for our family this summer. And one, hot tip that's a free unlock to any business. Also, Chrissy will be back with Ryan next week (PTL)insta: @businesspartnerpartnerswebsite: www.partnerpartners.net
2024-06-2615 min
Business Partner PartnersWhy Consistency is Key and How it Affects Your Biz: Confessions and How to Keep Going without External ValidationChrissy and Ryan bring all their thoughts on consistency and why it's important for a podcast, a business, and how it applies to getting mentally strong for many areas of life. We share some ways that having the zoom out approach on your business can help you stay consistent and why using data instead of feelings is more helpful when making big decisions. This is one of those episodes where you'll really get to see our personalities shine because it's a bit unhinged. Hope you enjoy! Insta: @businesspartnerpartnerswebsite: partnerpartners.net
2024-06-1929 minBusiness Partner PartnersHow to Avoid (Handle) Burnout: Six Steps to Survive it & Thrive (through) it.Join Chrissy on this solo ep about how to handle seasons of burnout. We discuss practical tips and mindset shifts to learn how to cope and make it out on the other side. Burnout is coming for you, but it doesn't have to take you down. Tune in!insta: @businesspartnerpartnerswebsite: www.partnerpartners.net
2024-06-1220 min
Business Partner PartnersAmend Market: The Story of a Sustainable Refill Shop, Pop-up Shop to Porch Refills to Brick and Mortar, Growing a Business That’s a New Concept for the PublicThe story of Kendall and Dave Daly, the couple behind Amend Market, a sustainable plastic free refill shop located in Greenville, SC, may seem like a classic Romeo and Juliet tale: a Sustainability Coordinator and an Exxon Employee. Kendall’s family taught her the love for nature, which she eventually translated into a passion for sustainability in her own life. She brought the first plastic free refill shop to South Carolina- an option for people who wanted to cut down on unnecessary plastic waste. The idea is for people to bring any container they already have and fill it wi...
2024-06-0451 min
Business Partner PartnersSummer Reading for Business Owners: How to Spend ALL of Your Time as a Business Owner, Drowning in Opportunity, Taking the Time to Learn, and is Whining a Good Thing?The “Summer Reading Series” kicks off with Chrissy and Ryan discussing a book that is jam packed with short pieces of advice and storires for any business owner or entrepreuner. They break down some of the big points including the controversial opinion of this author who says that you should be working 24x7x365 on your business, what you should actually learn to do in college, whether or not the amount you get paid should matter in your job, and why you shouldn’t listen to customers. This reading adventure is sure to be fun and will encourage some deeper...
2024-05-2835 min
Business Partner PartnersAnother Round: A BRAND New Biz, Fun, Firsts, and Frisbees.Corinne and Cory Wickline aren't just regulars at Mountain Goat, they are business owners in the very early days of opening a franchise of a business called "Another Round." What is that you may ask? Well, it started in Charlotte, NC and it is centered around the game growing in popularity- Frisbee Golf. Another Round is a community hub for frisbee golf and beer, the place you want to go before or after a game. Chrissy is absent in this episode, but Ryan takes it all the way to the hard and the fun and the hope for this...
2024-05-2147 min
Business Partner PartnersLong Distance Relationship: Ryan Zooms from India, Dynamics of a Traveling Partner When Owning a Biz, Learning How to Not Word Vomit.This special edition episode is a zoom call between Chrissy and Ryan who is 9.5 hours in the future in India. We discuss what it's like operating a business when one partner is out of town, how the days look different, what Ryan stresses about from abroad, and how Chrissy has to actually process her emotions before verbalizing them. How lame. We discuss some fails of the week and some good things that come out of Ryan traveling for his day job. Tune in!
2024-05-1430 min
Business Partner PartnersHollowed Earth Pottery: Pottery for All, Art as a Business, Knowing Your Turf, One Try isn't a Success or a Failure.Mark and Sarah Batory may have gone to high school together, but their real connection began on Facebook (thanks Marky Z!). In this episode you'll hear the beautiful story of Mark and Sarah moving to Wisconsin for grad school two weeks after getting married, but ending up working at a pottery studio and learning how you can take studio art and make it a job. After experience a tragedy about a month after moving back to South Carolina, they explain how their business plan was put even further into motion with all of their priorities aligning with the vision...
2024-05-0748 min
Business Partner Partners2024 Business Trends: What's Profitable, What's Popular, and What Businesses Are Doing To Get More Customers.Chrissy and Ryan give their take on what's working so far in 2024 from people's drinks of choice to members programs, to how companies are using technology in their business. They even generate some ideas mid-recording for what to do differently at Mountain Goat! This casual conversation will surely leave you with at least one take away or one giggle from a bad joke. Money back guarantee. website: partnerpartners.netinstagram: @businesspartnerpartners
2024-04-3037 min
Business Partner PartnersScouts Doughnuts: An Integrated Personal and Business Life, Photography to Doughnuts, Feeling Restless, The Dreamer and The BuilderJP may have been Ryland's 'safe bet' when they met and became friends in college, but their friendship grew and they both realized they were meant for each other. As newlyweds, they learned to love customer service and the beginning stages of a small business through volunteering at some of their friends' brand new brewery (for tips!). After moving to Greenville for jobs, they immediately felt like there was something more that they wanted to build together. They started with their own photography business which grew quickly, but they still knew there was something more that they would build...
2024-04-2353 min
Business Partner PartnersChrissy Takes The Mic: Career Path to Mtn Goat, Being a Working Mom, Tips for Managing It All.Chrissy is a mom and Chrissy is a business owner but is one more important than the other? This is a question that you must answer for yourself, but in this ep you’ll hear about Chrissy’s thoughts around work as identity, deep playground thoughts, and tips for how to manage the mental load of motherhood and business. An easy listen and great insight for partners to tune into, as well! This should stir up some good internal questions (or external ones)! Hope you enjoy! Insta: @businesspartnerpartnersWebsite: partnerpartners.net
2024-04-1633 min
Business Partner PartnersThe Herlongs: Real Estate is a Family Affair, What You Must Do to Make Your Business Better, Turning Negativity Into Drive.Joan Herlong plans to one day be the ‘dusty figurehead’ of her real estate company, but until that day she will be defying everyone’s expectations of her to propel her company, Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty, to set the standard for luxury real estate in upstate South Carolina. She tells the story of how William, her husband, became the In-house counsel and Broker in Charge of her company through a winding path. After over 40 years of marriage, four kids, and supporting each other in different seasons, Joan and William share a peek inside their company including how they...
2024-04-0952 min
Business Partner PartnersTangible Ideas on Hiring for your Small Business: Core Values, The Whole Process, Learning from Mistakes.This episode goes over the Mountain Goat Hiring Process from application to hire. Chrissy and Ryan discuss the insight they've gained from hiring for a non-profit outdoor organization, a for-profit climbing gym, and a for-profit coffee shop and bar (Mountain Goat as it is today). If you are in a position to hire in any capacity, I know you'll have some take-aways from this episode. We've come a long way from just 'hiring people we want to hang out with' to making sure we are clear on our Core Values and setting expectations early. Give it a listen!
2024-04-0237 min
Business Partner PartnersThe Bakers: Want to Start a Hostel Abroad? Want to Start a Coffee Shop and Roastery Domestically? They've Done Both.David and Sarah Baker met in Boy Scouts as kids and although they took turns (that didn't align) being interested in each other, they finally got together in college. Soon after graduation, the moved to Prague, Czech Republic to open a hostel where they would live and work for five years and eventually have their first child. A barista competition in Prague got them interested in the world of coffee, and upon moving back to Greenville they met the people with whom they would start Methodical Coffee- a coffee shop with three locations in Greenville, SC and a large...
2024-03-2649 minBusiness Partner PartnersAnonymity: Our Coffee Shop Customers' Secret QuestionsWho knew setting up a private text number would lead to so many great discussions!? Warning: this episode does not have a lot of meat or 'key takeaways,' just Ryan and Chrissy discussing what people have anonymously texted into Mountain Goat. Whether relationship advice, what they should eat, or if they should take a nap or exercise, we have all the answers to your burning questions in this episode. This one is perfect to listen to if you're trying to avoid deep thoughts and want to be distracted by the general public's problems and concerns. xoxo, ...
2024-03-1935 min
Business Partner PartnersRyan Alone With His Thoughts: Community, Magic, and Doing the Right ThingThis week Ryan goes rogue on his own. Join him for a solo episode that Chrissy couldn't censor as he unpacks his perspective on Mountain Goat. From creating community, to creating magic, to making the right decision and saying no to things. Ryan also wanted to thank all the current staff: Georgia, Grace, Joy, Kara, Kira, Kate, Casey, Lauren, Maddie, Megan, Sam and Abbey. And Chrissy.
2024-03-1228 min
Business Partner PartnersAvryn Co. : A Small Business in 6 Days, Building Social Media Community, & Begrudgingly Spending the Money for your Biz.Sean and Kate Gaffney met in line at a concert (rom com?) and were engaged in less than nine months. After having two kids together, Kate recognized a problem and wanted a solution- so she created it. She imagined being able to carry her kids and/or hold their hands and also be able to stylishly and comfortably carry her keys. From the moment they decided to move forward with the business over a Latin American lunch, to the website launching and leather wristlets being for sale it was a total of 6 days. We talk to Sean and Kate...
2024-03-0550 min
Business Partner PartnersSain Homes: Communicating in Gifs, No Cap on Dream Talk, Good Cop/Bad Cop Home Renovation StyleIn this episode we talk to our friends and fellow business owners, Matt and Sarah Sain who own and operate Sain Homes- a home renovation company which provides full service general contracting, builds, additions and design services for families all over the Upstate of South Carolina. They compliment each other daily in the business of remodeling old homes and new builds. Their insight into how they've evolved working together is invaluable and you'll be interested to hear their lively discussion on how owning a business is like having a baby, finding their staff strengths to build rapport and have...
2024-02-2744 min
Business Partner PartnersBEER: Ordering, Selling, Picking, Drinking, and Industry SecretsThis ep is a dining room table discussion about beer, and although this info is boring to Chrissy and Ryan who are alone on this ep, some may say it's fascinating. We go into depth about Ryan's only job at Mountain Goat (this is mostly a joke- he does a lot); ordering the beer and designing the beer menu. We discuss getting a liquor license,using distributors, and also share some stories of why you should not trust Ryan's beer selections. This is interesting for anyone to know who wants to start a bar, or wants to know how...
2024-02-2038 min
Business Partner PartnersOur Biggest Business Pivot Ever: All About Waffles; How We Did it & Who We Did it WithThis week, Ryan and Chrissy are joined by their friend: published author, writer, and "home cook" Beth Brown Ables to discuss the beginning of the food program at Mountain Goat. When Mountain Goat first opened in 2018, making our own food was nowhere on the radar, but when the pandemic forced us to find other revenue sources, we went the path of liège waffles. We get all the ins and outs of how Beth became a part of our operation and what it's like to work in a small kitchen at the beginning of something big. We also go v...
2024-02-1348 min
Business Partner PartnersInk Meets Paper: The Art of Letterpress, Small Business Community, and Investing in Your Business.Jamie and Allison Nadeau met in middle school and would go on to wed and create Ink Meets Paper, the letterpress greeting card and paper goods company that beautifully makes people more connected in our digital world. In this episode we discuss their start as entrepreneurs (an eBay store selling random goods!) all the way to printing cards one by one to be carried by Barnes & Noble. They moved their business across the state of South Carolina, which included the logistics of moving a 3,000 lb antique letterpress. Any small business owner or couple can learn from their experience and...
2024-02-0650 min
Business Partner PartnersHow to Go Viral: 4 Categories that Thrive and Why!Join Chrissy and Ryan on this duet ep where we discuss our journey with Instagram and the four categories that have been the most successful! We may or may not concede at the end of this episode that we don’t actually know how to go viral, but we promise it will encourage our listeners to rethink why you’re posting and the desired outcome. Social media is now basically the website for small businesses and this topic really matters. Tune in!Chrissy & Ryan: insta: @businesspartnerpartnerswebsite: www.partnerpartners.net
2024-01-3033 min
Business Partner PartnersCounseling-ish: A Juicy Session with Truth, Arguments, and Encouragement for Biz Owner Couples!Have you ever wanted to be a fly on the wall during a couple's counseling session- specifically a couple that runs a business together? Well this is your chance. Ryan and Chrissy sit down with Lee McDerment, one of their best friends and a pastor at Newspring Church in Greenville, SC. We hit the hard questions about friendship, communication, and self care. It *may* get a little heated at one point. This is a great listen for couples running a business together to listen in, know they're not alone, and have some ideas for future convos!
2024-01-2346 min
Business Partner PartnersEleos, a Neighborhood Focused Ministry: From 'Friend-Zone' to Running a Business and Family TogetherCam and Joy Hill started a neighborhood-focused ministry together that they never intended to grow to the size it is now. Their family has grown alongside the ministry and they have learned to manage both as a team through the ups and downs. Ryan and Chrissy have a fun convo with them at an off-site location discussing everything from how Cam was in the friend zone, neighborhood development, who is better at sports, google calendar fights and 'ready, fire, aim' strategy of entrepreneurism that employs the idea of throwing ideas at the wall and seeing what sticks. Their wisdom...
2024-01-1639 min
Business Partner PartnersReflecting Is Cool: Biz, Personal, & Couple 2023 Recap and 2024 GoalsJoin Ryan and Chrissy at their kitchen table in this year of Twenty Twenty Four. We talk about our biggest wins of 2023 and what we want to see in 2024 for our business, Mountain Goat, and for our personal lives! We even give each other goals for next year on the spot- some are received better than others. Taking the time to think about all of the ways we've succeeded has fired us up for next year. If you're a small business owner this ep is a good reminder to take the time to count all your success and look...
2024-01-0946 min
Business Partner PartnersDapper Ink & The Landmark Project: T-Shirt Screen Printing from the Bedroom, Left Brain Right Brain Partnership, Working with REIMatt and Jen Moreau met in college and truly fell into the screen printing business. Dapper Ink began when Matt saw a need; people on campus needed a way to print their t-shirts for special events. Jen eventually joined with her ability to "make sense of chaos" and they built the business together. The Landmark Project, a completely separate brand, branched off as a side passion project and received a cold email to be stocked in REI and hasn't slowed down since. We also dive into how their relationship works running this business together and the wisdom nuggets are...
2024-01-0248 min
Business Partner PartnersHistory of GOAT from a Past Student, The Newlywed Game, Moes vs. Chipotle, Mtn Goat MerchIn this episode we talk to Mikey Hayes, who Ryan met as a 6th grade student when he started going on GOAT trips as as middle schooler and decided he would work at GOAT one day (spoiler- he does.) We break down the difference between GOAT and Mountain Goat and hear more about Mikey's experience. The tables are then turned and Mikey asks us questions! We talk about everything from our motivation for running Mountain Goat to our merchandise to the most drinkable beer. This is a feel good episode and a must listen from anyone interested to hear...
2023-12-2552 min
Business Partner PartnersMONEY! Business Expenses: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly (and annoying).Dive into a big money convo with Chrissy & Ryan from their dining room table. We discuss business expenses from the beginning of starting Mountain Goat, our coffee shop and bar, in 2018 including the ones that are exciting (espresso machine) to the ones that are painful and unexpected (broken HVAC). This is an insiders look into how we each feel about spending money including where we have learned to spend extra and where we are continuing to do it ourselves. This isn't the most *positive and upbeat* episode but a true realistic view of how we're spending Mountain Goat's money.
2023-12-1842 min
Business Partner PartnersFireforge Brewery: Winding Paths to Business Ownership, Trusting Each Other’s Roles, and The “Blackout Period” of Starting a Business.“WE SHOULD START A BREWERY!” The phrase that many people declare, but Brian and Nicole Cendrowski followed through with… After meeting in high school youth group and eventually joining a club to drink craft beer, Brian and Nicole started brewing beer by testing an Irish Red Ale on their home stove. Nicole and Brian both had winding career paths that led to opening this brewery in Downtown Greenville, SC which has become a fixture in the Greenville Beer Scene. They offer a lot of honest insights into owning and operating a brewery including the hard to hear, but hot tip: “...
2023-12-1145 min
Business Partner PartnersOur Business Being Broken Into (multiple times), Location Challenges, Community Support, Organic Business Growth, and Planning for the Future.Chrissy & Ryan are interviewed by their friend, Tabi Cooper, who was the realtor representing the sale of the building where Mountain Goat resides (a former speed shop). Tabi has a unique insight into the growth of Mountain Goat as someone who lives within walking distance of Mountain Goat and has been a sounding board for ideas and changes since the very beginning of the business. They discuss the story of Ryan being abroad the second time Mountain Goat was broken into (with a rock!), how the community has supported Mountain Goat and contributed to the growth, how the business...
2023-12-0440 min
Business Partner PartnersMatty's Pattys Smashburger Food Truck: The Gas and the Brakes (figuratively and literally), Best Investment in your Small Business, Food Truck versus Brick and Mortar, and Setting Expectations.Matthew and Sarah Bradford met because they were matching- true romance. Much later, Matty's Pattys food truck was born and is based out of Anderson, SC. This smashburger foodtruck (which makes cookies, too!) truly completes the Bradford's mission of bringing a great burger to the small town where they live ( idea inspired by a TV show!). In this episode we discuss how the food truck started, how labor is divided, the challenges of owning and operating a food truck, and a lot of fun tangents along the way. This is a great listen for anyone who is working with...
2023-11-2742 min
Business Partner PartnersEverything We've Done Wrong in our Business: Opening Mistakes, Tipping, Food Trucks, Outsourcing Events.Join Chrissy & Ryan on this date night convo discussing all the mistakes we've made in the business (thus far). We want you to learn from us so you can avoid making the same mistakes (or make them and say 'oh yea, we're not alone). Even if you're not in the same industry, you'll get a peek into how making mistakes has humbled us and made us better and has forced us to prioritize our family over profit. This is a fun convo with a lot of strange tangents- enjoy the ride. insta: @businesspartnerpartnerswebsite: www.partnerpartners.n...
2023-11-2044 min
Business Partner PartnersCan All Couples Work Together, Coffee Shop Growth Realities, Emotional Pricing, Shutting Ideas Down, and Sharing WinsChrissy & Ryan are interviewed by Ryan's co-worker and friend, Eric Dodds, on the vulnerable inner thoughts of running a business with your spouse. We cover a variety of topics including our personal philosophies on why we keep the business running when it feels like we want to burn it all down. If you're running a small business and have ever felt defeated or are curious about how we make it work as spouses, this is a great ep for you!Eric Dodds is a husband, father of three, and co-host of The Data Stack Show, a podcast...
2023-11-1343 min