Better Business for Small Business Leaders

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder what happens when entrepreneurs who've poured their hearts into building businesses finally step away? Financial advisor Gary Sirak tackles this crucial question head-on, revealing why some business owners literally die shortly after retirement—and how to ensure you don't become that statistic. Gary shares the profound wisdom gained from decades helping busin...

Send us Fan Mail Freedom of choice may be entrepreneurship's greatest gift. While corporate employees rarely select their colleagues, business owners—especially franchisees—can intentionally choose their culture and community. This powerful insight anchors our conversation with Terese McGroarty, whose entrepreneurial journey began at just 21 when she and her husband borrowed family funds to p...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you take a successful small business owner and give them the tools to think bigger? The transformation can be extraordinary. Most entrepreneurs reach a critical point where they've mastered the startup phase but feel stuck in day-to-day operations, unable to achieve the next level of growth. The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program at Tri-C addresse...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how embracing quirks and a dash of humor can lead to entrepreneurial success? Julie Gates, a real estate investor and property manager from Savannah, Georgia, enlightens us with her fascinating journey.  Julie's story is a testament to the power of standing out. Her willingness to try new things and knack for turning ordinary ideas into extraordinary ventures ma...

Send us Fan Mail Fred Hubler's journey from IT professional to pioneering financial advisor is nothing short of inspiring. On the anniversary of 9/11, Fred found himself unintentionally stepping into the world of finance, where he developed a contrarian mindset that thrives on challenging conventional investment strategies. We explore how Fred's transition from a traditional sales-driven...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets to successful career paths for young people as we chat with Chris Canova, the Executive Director of Jobs for Ohio Graduates (JOG).  Learn how JOG's innovative programs empower youth aged 14 to 24 through structured work-based learning experiences and robust job coaching. Chris shares fascinating insights into JOG's collaboration with small businesses a...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets of impactful marketing with insights from Sharon Spychola of Your Corporate Concierge, as she shares her journey of transforming small business impressions at events like trade shows, expos, and golf outings.  Discover how brand ambassadors can elevate your brand better than you might believe, allowing you to focus on other critical business priorities. Sharon e...

Send us Fan Mail Discover how embracing imperfection can lead to podcasting success with Josh Troche, a master of multimedia storytelling who turned an unexpected favor for a political figure into a thriving career.  Josh shares his insights into the world of podcasting for small business owners, offering strategies to help you sidestep common pitfalls and focus on adding value to your audience. L...

Send us Fan Mail Discover how to transform your sales strategy with insights from John Stevens, a veteran sales expert with over 30 years of experience.  Ever wondered what sets apart successful sales teams from the rest? John shares his wisdom on maintaining authenticity, structuring teams with the right mix of hunters and farmers, and building robust infrastructures to support sales success. He...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder what it takes to create a business with staying power?  Michael Murray, CEO of Textbook Painting shares his journey to business growth.  Michael shares his remarkable journey from launching a painting business right after college to growing it into an painting powerhouse.   Discover how simplifying tasks can transform leadership and learn how Textbook Painting elevates...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the art of meaningful gift-giving with Deby Lexow, the founder of LoCLE Box, as she shares her journey from crafting personal gift boxes to founding a business that champions Ohio's artisans and community values. Ever wondered what makes a corporate gift unforgettable? Our conversation uncovers the philosophy of thoughtful gifting and its ripple effect on relationshi...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how to transition from a high-powered corporate job to making a real difference in your community? In this episode, we sit down with Dianne Widowski of 4Bees, a former Nestle executive turned environmental advocate and affordable housing champion. Dianne takes us through her incredible journey, revealing how her passion for sustainability led her to become a beekeepe...

Send us Fan Mail If you've ever wondered how sustainability can serve as a powerful risk mitigation strategy for your business, join us as we chat with Laura Steinbrink, CEO of Emerald Built Environments, who transitioned from a 15-year nonprofit career to becoming a torchbearer in the sustainability industry! In this episode, you will discover how Laura's mission-driven passion and desi...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered why savvy professionals leave their corporate jobs to buy franchises? Join us as Leslie Kuban, a franchising expert, shares her wisdom on the dynamic world of franchising. Learn how leveraging proven business models and marketing strategies can significantly reduce the risks of starting a new business. Leslie also shares personal anecdotes from her family's expe...

Send us Fan Mail Discover how Jenny Young turned a significant setback into a thriving business venture in this inspiring episode featuring the founder of She Did It. Fired from her job due to gender bias, Jenny didn't let adversity hold her back. Instead, she used it as a springboard to launch her own videography company, prioritizing creative freedom and personal values over traditional cor...

Send us Fan Mail Discover how Meredith Farrow, CEO of Clean Remedies, transformed her struggle with postpartum depression into a thriving business in the CBD industry. In our latest episode, Meredith opens up about her personal journey and the critical importance of USDA certified organic CBD products. Learn firsthand how organic farming practices can ensure the purity and safety of CBD offerings,...

Send us Fan Mail What does a successful relationship with your banker look like, and how can it transform your small business? We explore these pivotal questions with Dana Walters, a seasoned business development officer from Consumers National Bank. Dana's journey from managing a high-profile catering company to the structured world of commercial banking offers unique insights into the often...

Send us Fan Mail Experience the unique dynamics of running a business with your spouse through the eyes of Sammy Gross, president of Therapedes. Sammy takes us on his journey from joining his wife's company to scaling it with a grand vision, sharing the highs and lows of balancing both a professional partnership and personal relationship. Learn the key strategies he employs to empower employe...

Send us Fan Mail Want to uncover the secrets of online business success? Join us for an enlightening discussion with Elizabeth Orley, the driving force behind Elizabeth Inc., as she demystifies the world of SEO for small businesses. Elizabeth exposes the pitfalls of relying on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, over which businesses have little control, and instead champions the p...