Small Business Strong

Bullpath Gear started with a competitors cheap-looking saddle, a $300 sewing machine, and a decision to build American-made hunting gear from scratch. Drew Eyink shares how a stolen tree stand, a “Made in China” tag on hunting gear, and a lack of mentors became part of the journey that led him to build a business around quality and American manufacturing. John Lane talks with Drew about the realit...

What are the two things every handyman needs to get right from the start? In this episode of Small Business Strong, I sit down with Ben Alexander to talk about his journey building Hanks Handyman, what led him to TradeworX, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Most of my interviews highlight entrepreneurs in the outdoor, hunting, and fishing industries. This episode is a little more persona...

How do you turn a love for hunting and photography into a business—and land your first paying client? In this episode of Small Business Strong, I sit down with outdoor photographer Matt Carey to talk about his journey from pursuing music to creating content for brands in the hunting, fishing, and outdoor industry. Matt also shares how strategy shapes his work with clients, starting with a simple q...

Austin Foster of Rocky Ridge Ammo shares how he built an ammunition business capable of hand loading 1,000 shotgun shells per day. We discuss his production process, startup costs, licensing, pricing premium turkey loads, and finding his first customers.

Mike Marino was serving as a full-time pastor when a disappointing set of store-bought decoys changed the direction of his life. They didn’t look like real ducks—and Mike believed he could create something better. With help from an experienced mentor, Mike began learning how to carve and paint lifelike working decoys. What started as a creative outlet grew into Marino Decoys and eventually gave hi...

Dale started with just $500 and a willingness to work—and what began as a business building and selling quail cages and supplies has grown into something much bigger. In this episode of Small Business Strong, Dale from Dale’s Quails Acres shares how he built the business from the ground up, the sacrifices required along the way, and why regenerative farming has become such an important part of his...

Johnathan of  Red Beard Outdoors  joins  Small Business Strong  to talk about what it really takes to build an outdoor podcast and media brand. Jonathan shares why relationships are the key to successful sponsorships, strong brand partnerships, and long-term growth—and why simply chasing followers isn’t enough. We also talk about building an authentic brand identity, monetizing an outdoor podcast,...

How do you launch a product in the hunting industry? Todd Ezzi saw a need for a dog stand that was  lightweight, strong, and practical —so he went into his garage and built one himself. What started as a solution to his own problem has grown into  Rixey Outdoors , producing quality dog stands at a great price. In this episode of  Small Business Strong , Todd shares the story of how that garage-bui...

How do you start a successful deer feed company? In this episode of Small Business Strong , I sit down with Marlon (Catfish) and Willa Glover , founders of MTX , to talk about what it really looks like to build a business while keeping God at the center. We discuss the lessons God taught them before their company began to grow, the importance of serving customers well, what makes MTX different, an...

How do you start a successful fish farm? In  Episode 23 of Small Business Strong , I sit down with  Mike Freeze , owner of  Keo Fish Farms , to hear the story of how he purchased a fish farm and helped grow it into one of the leading aquaculture businesses in the country. Mike shares the challenges of buying an established business, growing it over decades, adapting to industry changes, and produc...

How do you start a boat building company? In this episode of Small Business Strong , I sit down with Louis Perrero , founder of South Dade Skiffs , to hear the story behind one of the most unique skiff manufacturers in the country. Louis opens up about:-How South Dade Skiffs got its name-His life before sobriety-Working as a deckhand on luxury yachts-The painful fishing accident that put a hook th...

How do you start a duck call company? In this episode of  Small Business Strong , I sit down with  Joey D’Amico , founder of  Tekton Game Calls , to discuss faith, entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, and the importance of keeping your identity rooted in Christ rather than your career. Joey shares the story behind Tekton Game Calls, explains the biblical meaning of the name “Tekton,” and talks about u...

Most people see a successful business. They rarely hear the story behind it. In this episode of  Small Business Strong , I sit down with  James Reed , founder of  MAG Feeders , to talk about far more than deer feeders. We discuss faith, family, sacrifice, perseverance, and what it really takes to build something that lasts. James shares the story behind his first homemade prototype, the obstacles...

What does it really take to own a successful small business? In this episode of  Small Business Strong , I sit down with  Andrew Plagens , owner of Aluminum Alloys, to discuss what it’s like to buy an established business instead of starting one from scratch. Andrew shares why he chose business ownership, the freedom it has created for his family, the unexpected challenges he’s faced, and the less...

Should homeowners buy their own materials, or should the contractor handle it? In this episode of Small Business Strong, we break down when homeowners should buy fixtures, tile, paint colors, and finishes — and when contractors should handle materials for better quality, durability, and fewer problems. We also cover the biggest mistakes that cause delays, surprise costs, and frustration during rem...

Before you start your next paint project, these 7 simple painting tips can save you time, money, and frustration — and help your walls look cleaner, smoother, and more professional. In this episode of Small Business Strong, I’m sharing practical painting advice every homeowner should know before picking up a brush or roller. Whether you’re painting one room, freshening up your house before selling...

Got burning homeowner questions? In this Q&A episode of Small Business Strong, handyman and home improvement expert John Lane draws on years of field experience to answer the questions he hears most. From cheap upgrades that actually add value, to spotting a trustworthy contractor, pulling permits, knowing what to fix first, and decoding those cracks in your drywall — this episode is packed wi...

Most homeowners assume a 4.9-star contractor with hundreds of reviews must be trustworthy. But in today’s world of fake review farms, review gating, and reputation manipulation, that rating may not mean what you think it does. In this episode of Small Business Strong, John Lane explains how online reviews are being manipulated in the home service industry and gives homeowners practical ways to pro...

May is your last chance. Every June, phones start blowing up with emergency calls that could’ve been prevented with a few simple steps in May. In this episode, I walk you through a practical checklist to get your home ready before the Texas heat hits. We cover: Why your AC system needs attention NOW (not in June) How your attic could be silently driving up your energy bill Easy fixes for windows,...

Learn how to start a handyman business step-by-step—even with no experience—and how to realistically grow. In this episode of Small Business Strong, I break down exactly how to get your first jobs, what tools you actually need, how to price your work, and how to build momentum fast. No fluff—just real-world advice from running a handyman business every day. ⸻  What you’ll learn: • How to get your...

Not every fence needs to be replaced—but not every fence should be repaired either. In this episode, I break down how to tell the difference so you don’t waste money making the wrong call. We cover when repair actually makes sense, when replacement is the smarter move, and how to think about cost, longevity, and long-term value. If you’re dealing with a leaning, aging, or damaged fence, this will...

Homes require constant maintenance—but the real issue isn’t maintenance… it’s what gets ignored. In this episode of Small Business Strong, I break down the top 5 things I personally see causing serious (and expensive) damage in homes—the stuff most homeowners don’t even realize is a problem until it’s too late. This isn’t theory. This is what I see every week in real houses.🔧 What We Cover: 1. Dr...

In Episode 10, I break down the real reasons why so many homeowners end up getting ripped off by contractors and handymen. It’s not always bad intentions—most of the time, it comes down to poor decisions, unclear expectations, and lack of communication. I walk through 6 (really 5) common mistakes homeowners make, including choosing the cheapest bid, not getting a clear scope of work, and failing t...

In this episode, I talk about a shift in the direction of Small Business Strong. I’ll still be interviewing other business owners, but moving forward I’m going to spend more time breaking down what it actually looks like to run my handyman business day to day. From pricing and mistakes to the reality behind the scenes, this episode sets the foundation for what’s coming next. If you’re running a bu...

In this episode of Small Business Strong, I'm in the interview chair to share my own story. I break down how I started my handyman business in 2021—right after getting laid off—and how remodeling my own home became the foundation for learning real, practical skills. I talk through the early challenges of supporting a family, the mistakes I made starting out, and the small wins that helped buil...