Behind the Small Business

What would you do with more time back in your week? Matt Shepard of Shepard Consulting joins Kevin Dandino to discuss practical AI automation, reducing repetitive business tasks, and creating more room for life outside of work. Matt shares how running construction and real estate businesses led him to build automation into his own operations. Now, he helps other small-business owners identify thei...

Episode 50 — The Hamilton Collective with Spencer Hamilton Spencer Hamilton traded a career in banking for real estate and built The Hamilton Collective, a community-first team serving Colorado's foothills from Golden and Morrison out to Conifer, Evergreen, Bailey, and Fairplay along the 285 corridor. In this episode, he and host Kevin Dandino talk about what it really takes to survive and grow in...

Episode 49 — Brett Newman, Newman Sauna Co.: Turning a Garage Hobby Into a Custom Wellness Business When AI wiped out the translation business Bret Newman had spent 15 years building, he didn't panic — he already had the next chapter waiting in his garage. In this episode, Bret, founder of Newman Sauna Co., joins Kevin to share how a DIY cold plunge he built to recover from ACL surgery turned into...

Episode 48 – Gub Gub's Pizza & Ice Cream How do you build a thriving business — and revive an entire downtown — in a Colorado town of roughly 3,000 people? In this episode, host Kevin Dandino talks with Helena Cappon, majority owner of Gub Gub's Pizza & Ice Cream in Walsenburg, CO, which she owns with her husband Thomas and her father Jack. Helena shares the full journey: from daydreaming...

Most people have no idea their windshield is a structural part of their vehicle — until someone like Gary Duncan explains it. In this episode of Behind the Small Business, host Kevin Dandino talks with Gary Duncan, owner of The Chip Repair Man and a 38-year veteran of the auto glass industry. A small business owner since 2004, Gary built Rocky Mountain Auto Glass, ran a shop in small-town Missouri...

Since COVID, business and everyday life have leaned hard into tech and online communication. That shift has opened a ton of doors for small business owners, but it also makes it easy to forget how powerful real, in-person connection can be for building trust, community, and long-term customers. In this episode of “Behind the Small Business,” Kevin sits down with Brian Prescott, owner of Colorado R...

We’ve had the pleasure of sharing incredible stories from inspiring entrepreneurs on the Behind the Small Business Podcast , and Amber from Daddy’s Homemade Syrup is no exception! Amber believes there’s nothing “small” about the power of a small business. Every entrepreneur has the ability to make a big, positive impact on their community — and she’s setting a remarkable example. Curious how she’s...

In this episode of Behind the Small Business Podcast, Kevin sits down with Bob and Joe from Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center — an organization dedicated to empowering veterans through career, wellness, and entrepreneurship support. Transitioning from military to civilian life comes with unique challenges, and Mt. Carmel is there to help veterans find purpose and success in their next chapter. Fr...

The world of small businesses is evolving fast—and AI technology is changing the game. While big companies can hire entire teams to focus on artificial intelligence, small business owners often have to juggle it all themselves. In this episode of Behind the Small Business , Kevin Dandino talks with Dan Mowinski , a fellow entrepreneur who built his own business to help small business owners harnes...

In this episode of Behind the Small Business Podcast , Kevin sits down with Nova , media personality and co-owner of Brit Food Group in Colorado Springs. Nova shares his journey as an entrepreneur, what he’s learned from building a business in a competitive market, and why staying connected to people is one of the most important parts of long-term success. This conversation dives into mindset, lea...

There’s a big difference between customers and clients and understanding it can be the key to long-term business success. In this episode of Behind the Small Business , Kevin sits down with Nate, owner of Practical Metals, to break down how a customer-first mindset can evolve into lasting client relationships. Nate shares how focusing on real needs, not just transactions, has helped grow a sustain...

This week on Behind the Small Business , Ben — owner of Full Afterburner Calzones — brings the heat. From defining what truly makes a business to navigating obstacles with confidence, he shares real, hard-earned wisdom every entrepreneur can use. Whether you’re new, experienced, or just dreaming up your first big idea, this episode serves up lessons as fresh as his calzones.

Transitioning from military to civilian life isn’t easy. For many veterans, leaving behind that tight-knit military family can lead to feelings of isolation and loss of purpose. That’s exactly why Nick founded Green Beret Racing — a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans reconnect, rebuild community, and find brotherhood beyond the battlefield. In this video, Nick shares his personal journey, the...

A school assignment that turned into a full-blown non-profit organization? That's exactly what happened with Veterans Exploration Therapy. Listen in to Deke's story about his experiences transitioning out of the military and the struggles he overcame and how it led to the inspiration of this non-profit that is dedicated to helping bringing veterans back into a close-knit community that they lost a...

Running a small business isn’t just about profits — it’s about people. In this episode of Behind the Small Business , I sit down with Ty, owner of Restoration Station Colorado, to talk about what it’s like to be in the business of repairing homes after disasters like floods, fires, and mold damage — and how his mission goes beyond the work itself. Ty shares his story of starting fresh in Colorado,...

✨ Talk about dancing through life! ✨ Nicole, owner of NK Dance Studio in Westminster, CO, joins us on Behind the Small Business to share how she turned her passion for dance into a thriving business that inspires and impacts her community. Her journey is more than just running a studio—it’s about creating connections, building confidence, and touching lives through the art of dance. 🎧 Tune in t...

“If you’re not physically, emotionally, and spiritually well… your business won’t be either.” On this episode of Behind the Small Business Podcast , I sat down with Alex Lammers , owner of Lammers Insurance Agency, to talk about what it really takes to build a business from scratch, push through burnout, and keep moving forward when the road gets tough. From starting with zero experience and zero...

NEW Episode of Behind the Small Business Podcast - Kevin sits down with Travis, owner of Essential Pillar Architecture and his wife Dana to explore what it’s really like when both partners in a marriage run their own small businesses—and how they’ve learned to support each other every step of the way. This power duo hasn’t just grown their businesses; they’ve strengthened their relationship in the...

Brittany's story is about as wholesome as you can get. From the meaning behind her business name to why she decided to leave working at the hospital and start her own business, one thing is certain- Brittany cares about her patients and community beyond measure! Listen in to hear Brittany talk about the struggles she's faced as a business owner and how she goes above and beyond for those in her co...

New Episode Alert – Behind the Small Business Podcast Passion isn’t just helpful — it’s essential for small business owners. Turning what drives you into a business model that keeps you focused, energized, and resilient through all the ups and downs is no small feat. Anna, the inspiring owner of Common Sense Health , has done just that. Her mission to help others reach goals they once thought impo...

A bookstore? In this economy?! Yep — but Danu’s Wardrobe isn’t your average bookstore. Coleen, the brilliant mind behind it, has crafted something truly special: a space where books, storytelling, and community come together in magical, unexpected ways. Tune in to the latest episode of Behind the Small Business to hear how Coleen turned her passion into a place where stories come alive — and how s...

From candy to creative – Ain’t it a sweet story? On this episode of Behind the Small Business , we spotlight Sharon, a passionate creative entrepreneur and founder of Ain’t That Sweet . What began as a Chicago-based candy business has now grown into a Colorado-based brand specializing in custom product designs — from shirts to mugs to personalized gifts. Sharon shares how she turned her creative p...

On today's episode of Behind the Small Business Podcast... Kevin sits down with Brian from Urban Autocare and Avalon Motorsports to talk about how he found success changing careers after ending his career playing in the AFL. Listen in to hear how Brian found his new passion and has built a strong business based on integrity, excellence and community involvement. Don't miss other amazing stories su...

On today's episode of Behind the Small Business Podcast, Kevin sits down with Bria, founder of Coalessence Co. She shares her inspiring journey from idea to thriving business owner, and reveals the unique strategies she uses to stand out in a crowded market. Bria also dives into how she supports other entrepreneurs and creates impact beyond her brand. Whether you're starting your own business or l...

New episode alert!! In this episode of Behind the Small Business Podcast, Kevin sits down with Olivia of Didi Virtual Solutions to discuss what it's like to be a new small business owner in todays world. While many people might think there is no way they would start a business in today's world, people like Olivia are getting it done and finding success early on. Tune in to hear Olivia's story of b...