The Good Life Small Business Podcast

In this episode, I sat down with Sarah Spitsen, Director of the newly formed Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program at Nebraska Wesleyan University. Sarah shares insights into how the program prepares students for the ever-changing demands of the business world. She discusses the unique opportunities available to students and sheds light on the innovative approach the university is taking to fost...

Join me as I sit down to talk with Cory Morris, the new owner of Gary Michael's Clothiers in Kearney. In this episode, we'll dive into Cory's shift from running a bookkeeping business to taking over a popular clothing store, the ups and downs of running a retail business, how he gets his family in on the action, and more! Cory also gives great insight into some of the things that he has taken from...

In this special collaboration episode, join me as I sit down with Sheila Jenkinson, the host of the Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast.  Sheila and I talk about our experiences in supporting and promoting small businesses in rural Nebraska. We discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing small towns, as well as the inspiring stories of local entrepreneurs. Whether you're a small busines...

In this episode of the podcast, I sat down with Paul Oettinger, co-owner of Pals Brewing Company located in North Platte. Paul's passion for brewing and dedication to his business is inspiring, and this conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the brewery business or entrepreneurship in general. He takes us on a journey of how he got into the brewery business and the challenges he fa...

In this episode, we catch up with Tyler Schake, owner of T&T Mobile Washing.  Tyler was one of our early guests, and we're excited to hear about how his business has grown and changed since we last spoke. Tyler shares with us some of the challenges that come with running a growing business, including managing employees, updating systems, and embracing how his role has changed.  Tyler also provides...

I had the opportunity to sit down with Brady Storrs, owner of Select Sail & Sports, one of the newest small businesses in Kearney.  In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the excitement of getting a business up and running, the challenges Brady faced when buying the business and moving it from Omaha to Kearney, and more!  If you want to find out more about Brady and Select Sail & Sports, che...

In this episode of the Good Life Small Business Podcast, we're talking to Derek Djernes, owner of Axe Holes in Kearney, a local business that's been killing it lately. We'll be getting into some real talk about the focus it takes to run a business while still working a day job, the unique challenges of having a business in another town, and we'll also touch on the mental and emotional toll that ru...

In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Ryan Clark, Vice President of Eustis Body Shop.  Ryan is currently working in this long going family-owned business and has been instrumental in growing their location in Lincoln, NE. We'll discuss the challenges of opening a new location, the benefits and drawbacks of being part of a family business, and the strategies they've used to successfully...

As a small business owner, change is the only thing that remains the same.  No matter what stage of business, there are challenges and opportunities for growth.   That's why I was excited to check in with a previous guest to see how things have changed with his business. I first sat down for an interview with Richard Barajas, owner of Kearney Combat Sports, in January of 2022.   Since then, I have...

This episode was a lot of fun for me.  It's not everyday that I get to sit down with a guy that I went to high school with and talk about their growing business! Kylee Hall of Halls Electric & Services in North Platte has taken his business from a one man operation doing electrical work, to hiring his first employee a little over a year later, to today, where he has over 40 employees! We had a gre...

Tucked away in the town square of Burwell, NE is a gem of a coffee house by the name of Normal Roasting Company and Coffee Lab. And while this was my first time visiting this cool little spot, I know it won't be my last. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Josh Holmquist, to learn more about how he and his wife Sara started on this journey.  We talked about a lot of things, including the chall...

I've know Ryan Rahmann for quite awhile.  I also got to be a part of some early conversations with him about the business he would be starting up, so it was great to finall catch up with him to see how things are going. In this episode, Ryan and I talk about how a side gig turned into a full blown business, the challenges he faces to keep his vehicles on the road, and some stories about his favori...

I've asked guests in the past "What do you wish you were better at?"  One of the responses that comes up again and again is "The books." Keeping and eye on the financials isn't something that every business owner gets excited about.  That's why it is important to find someone who gets REALLY excited about it, and can work as an ally for your business. Cory Morris, owner of Morris Better Bookkeepin...

I had a great time sitting down with Carole Sprunk, owner of Edge Magazine, Dine Magazine, and most recently, Clout Coffee. We sat down to talk about the challenges of getting retail space in stores, the importance of building relationships with both major retail chains and local businesses, the one thing she wishes she was better at when it comes to running her business, and more! You can find ou...

One on the things being the host of GLSB podcast has taught me is the various types resources that are available to help small business owners.  The Nebraska Enterprise Fund is another one of those amazing resources! I had the opportunity to sit down with Jim Reiff, Executive Director, and Jamel Hamilton, Deputy Director of Lending, to learn more about the Nebraska Enterprise Fund and who they sup...

Nic Bianchi literally grew up as an entrepreneuer.  When he was 12 years old, he got a candle making kit as a birthday present, and the rest is history. We talked about what it was like for him to be a business owner while he was growing up, the challenges of evolving as his business as it grew, and how his role in the business has changed in the last year. If you want to know more about Bianchi C...

Caleb Pollard and Mike Klimek, part owners of Scratchtown Brewery in Ord, are passionate dudes.  They are passionate about their business, their community, and their vision.  I had a great discussion with these two, and we covered a lot of ground. We talked about how Scratchtown came to be, the challenges they faced during the pandemic, and how they have worked through it all to make a difference...

I had the pleasure to sit down with Jeff and Teegan Nordhues, owners of Pax Lighting, a high-end lighting company with customers all over the country, but based right here in Kearney.    Jeff and Teegan were high school sweethearts, and after their careers had taken them all over the world, they decided they wanted to settle down back home. We had a great conversation about how they operate their...

Earlier this year, I was invited by Lisa Tschauner, one of the members of the Nebraska Entrepreneurship Task Force (NETForce) to join their conference here in Kearney.   The best part was, they wanted me to moderate a panel of former podcast guests to talk about their businesses, they challenges they face, and much more. I want to thank Brian & Jes Baer of Baer Studios , RaChell Merklin of Smallca...

I remember when I started my business, there were a lot of things that I just figured own my own to the best of my ability. Which bank could I go to for a loan?  What information would the bank want to see so I could get approved? What should my business plan look like? And while I eventually figured these things out, it took a ton of time and energy. I wish I would have known back then about the...

The Sandhills of Nebraska will always be home for me.  I grew up in Dunning, NE, only ten short miles down the road on Highway 2 from Halsey. Most people know Halsey because of the Nebraska National Forest just outside of town.  That's how Chad Sutton learned about it as well. But after one trip, and a chance grocery run, an idea came to mind that would later lead him and his family from Omaha to...

I had a great time sitting down with Martin Hobelman, owner of Maverick Marketing here in Kearney. We had a chance to sit down and talk about his unusual journey to becoming an entrepreneur, the importance of doing work for free when you are getting your foot in the door, and some great advice for anyone thinking about starting their own business. If you want to know more about Martin and Maverick...

For some small business owners, there is a feeling that they are on an island with no support get off the ground.   In Nebraska, that really couldn't be farther from the truth. I was excited to connect with Scott Asmus with SourceLink Nebraska to learn more about what they do, and the various ways they help small business owners across the state. If you would like to learn more about SourceLink Ne...

Personally, I really enjoy the challenge of marketing my own small business.  It is one of the aspects of my business that is always changing and keeps me guessing. This made my conversation with Katlynn Pyatt, host of the Start Marketing Podcast, an eye opening experience.  Katlynn is a self described "marketing nerd" who loves learning about the art of marketing small businesses. It was interest...

I had a really great conversation with the Daniel, Nelson, and Danielle, owners of Groom Services LLC in Omaha. This family operation got started in 2019, and opened officially to the public with their mobile shop in 2020.  Two days later, COVID forced them to close.   But they didn't use that as an excuse to give up on their dream. Today, Groom Services travels around Omaha and provides an amazin...