Small Business Strong

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...

Russell Birk, owner of Maya’s Modern Mediterranean, joins Small Business Strong to talk about the reality of building a high-quality Mediterranean restaurant — and do what it takes to make it work. Before opening Maya’s, Russell worked in finance. He analysed restaurant financials, studied turnaround strategies for them, and identified other tactics that weren't being capitalized on. He saw th...

In this episode, I sit down with my wife, Audrey Lane, to talk about how she started a vintage resale shop with zero dollars. We break down exactly how she got started — including finding items on the side of the road, sourcing for free, and turning everyday finds into real income. This is one of the most flexible jobs you can do: no boss, no schedule, and no office. You can work for yourself and...

In this episode of Small Business Strong, I sit down with Chandler Wakefield, founder of Wakefield Woodworking, to talk through the real path of building a professional woodworking business from the ground up—starting with just $1,500 in tools. Chandler shares how he got his start working alongside his father-in-law, learning the ropes of the trade the hard way and developing the skills, disciplin...

In this episode, I sit down with Nick Gainey of Lone Star Threads to talk through his journey of starting and growing a T-shirt and embroidery business from the ground up. Nick shares the risks he took early on and what it really looks like to build something before the success ever shows up. We also talk about Nick’s decision to purchase a painting company using an SBA loan, what stepping into ow...

In this episode, I sit down with Joseph Arze, co-owner of Harp & Bowl Coffee Co., a specialty coffee company based here in Rockwall, Texas. We talk about Joseph’s upbringing, his time at Dallas Baptist University, and the experiences — including a formative trip to Guatemala — that helped shape his path toward entrepreneurship. Joseph shares what it was really like to start Harp & Bowl, th...

In this episode, I sit down with Kalin Seamans, owner of Revelation Electrical Services here in Rockwall, Texas. We talk about how he built his electrical business, the lessons he learned from starting two other businesses that didn’t work out, and how relationships and referrals have become the foundation of the way he serves people today. Kalin shares what it looks like to rebuild after failure,...

In this episode, I sit down with Bill Lucas, owner of Your Garage Door Guys and a local pastor in the Rockwall area. We talk about how he started his business, what it takes to serve people well, and how faith influences the way we work, lead, and handle challenges in everyday life. Bill shares lessons from balancing business, ministry, family, and community — and how choosing to operate with inte...

Welcome to Small Business Strong! I'm your host, John Lane, a small business owner, and every episode, I sit down with business owners who've taken an idea and turned it into reality. So get ready to join me on some insightful conversations with my amazing guests. Have an idea for a business you'd like to hear? Email John at smallbusinessstrongpodcast@gmail.com Handiwork Startup System...