Building Loved Businesses

In this episode, Bryan Sullivan shares his journey from a talented hairstylist to a successful salon owner, highlighting the importance of systems, financial management, and leadership in business growth. Discover practical insights on scaling a service business, employee development, and navigating challenges like COVID-19.

Shelly Poston shares her journey of transforming a family business into a trusted franchise in the HVAC industry, emphasizing customer trust, empathy, and staff training. Discover how faith, communication, and continuous learning drive success in service-based businesses.  

In this episode, Nathan Schock interviews Jason Miersma, Vice President of Mahlander's Appliance and Lighting, exploring the history, culture, and future of this family-owned business. They discuss leadership, customer service, adapting to change, and building a cohesive team in a competitive market.

In this episode, I sit down with Chad Kooiman, founder of Ultimate Automotive, to trace his journey from a small franchise shop to a thriving two-location business built on culture, trust, and community. Chad shares how he started in 2000 under the All Tune and Lube franchise while still in college, hustling for customers through coupons before eventually breaking out on his own. We dig into his p...

Stephanie Csornok shares her journey from broadcasting to founding Digital Downsizing, a niche business preserving family memories through digital conversion. Discover how her background, emotional connections to memories, and strategic marketing have shaped her entrepreneurial success.

Dan Frisch, co-owner and president of Cullen Insulation, shares his journey from college to leading a successful insulation business across multiple states. Discover how strategic growth, maintaining company culture, and attention to detail drive their success.

In this special episode, Nathan Schock joins Eric Brooker on the Counsel Culture podcast for a powerful conversation about growth, clarity, and building cultures that last. As a guest on Eric’s show, Nathan unpacks the hidden reason customer experience often breaks during growth: unclear culture. If you’ve ever wondered why things start slipping as your company scales, this conversation goes strai...

In this episode of Building Loved Businesses, host Nathan Schock interviews Andi Broneske, branch manager and estimator at Stimatic, a restoration company. Andi shares his journey from being a business owner to working for Stimatic, discussing the challenges and rewards of both roles. He emphasizes the importance of empathy in customer service, especially in the restoration industry, where clients...

In this episode of Building Loved Businesses, Nathan Schock interviews Clint Davis, founder of Clint Davis Counseling and Integrated Wellness. Clint shares his personal journey into counseling, driven by his own experiences with trauma and PTSD. He discusses the challenges and growth of building his counseling practice, emphasizing the importance of community impact, accountability, and the role o...

In this episode of Building Loved Businesses, Nathan Schock interviews Addie Corby, the founder of Little Sweets Cake Design. Addie shares her journey from being a high school art teacher to starting her own custom cake business. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from a stable job to entrepreneurship, including the unconventional funding method she used through surrogacy....

 I was recently featured on the Master Connector podcast with hosts Steve Spiro and Rob Giovannini. During our conversation, we explored the critical role of human connection in business—especially in a digital age where automation and technology often replace personal interactions. I shared how genuine relationships enhance both customer and employee experiences, drive long-term business success,...

In this episode, Nathan Schock interviews Misty Dais, the owner of Quad Cities Music Therapy, who shares her journey of integrating music therapy into her community. Misty discusses the therapeutic benefits of music, her business's growth, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and her vision for the future, including expanding services and creating a nonprofit to support those in need. Th...

In this episode of Building Loved Businesses, host Nathan Schock engages with Jay Justin and Lynsey Engels, leaders from the Quad Cities, to discuss the transformative power of mentorship and community engagement. They explore how organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters serve as vital workforce development initiatives, fostering connections between youth and businesses. The conversation highli...

In this episode of Building Loved Businesses, Nathan Schock interviews Dassah Skelton, the owner of Intuitive Peace Yoga Studio. Dassah shares her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the importance of starting small, the role of mentorship, and the challenges of balancing multiple jobs. She discusses her transition to full-time entrepreneurship, overcoming financial fears, and her vision for bui...

In this episode of Building Loved Businesses, Nathan Schock interviews Melissa, the owner of Terry's Pet Styling School, a successful dog grooming business and training school. Melissa shares her journey from working in factories to becoming a business owner, the structure of her grooming school, the growing demand for grooming services, and the importance of marketing and word-of-mouth refer...

In this episode of Building Loved Businesses, host Nathan Schock speaks with Caitlin and Seth Woods, co-owners of Woods Construction, about their journey in the construction industry. They share their beginnings, the growth of their business, and the dynamics of working together as a couple. The conversation delves into the challenges they faced, especially during COVID-19, and how they navigate c...

In this episode, Nathan Schock interviews Joe Slavens, who shares the remarkable journey of his family's multi-generational business in banking and beyond. From his grandfather's persistence during the Great Depression to the family's strategic decisions in navigating the banking landscape, Joe discusses the lessons learned, the entrepreneurial spirit that drives their success, and...

In this episode of Building Loved Businesses, Nathan Schock interviews Larry Thein, president and franchise owner of Goosehead Insurance. Larry shares his journey of starting from scratch twice in the insurance industry, discussing the growth of his agency, the challenges faced during tough market conditions, and the lessons learned from his previous experience at State Farm. He emphasizes the imp...

In this episode of Building Loved Businesses, host Nathan Schock interviews Wes De La Rosa, a photographer and videographer who shares his journey from a casual interest in photography to running a successful business. Wes discusses the importance of professional photography for businesses, the challenges he faced during COVID-19, and his marketing strategies. He also shares insights on hiring a v...

In this conversation, Jeremy LaCamera discusses the journey of achieving significant revenue milestones within his franchise, reflecting on past successes and setting ambitious goals for the future. He shares insights on the importance of pushing boundaries and striving for excellence in a competitive environment.

In this episode of Building Loved Businesses , I sit down with Matt Fitzpatrick, State Farm agent, former basketball coach, and someone whose journey to business ownership is anything but ordinary. Matt opens up about leaving a stable career to take a leap of faith into entrepreneurship, the influential coach who shaped his path, and the gritty early years of building his agency from scratch. We t...

 In this episode of Building Loved Businesses , I sit down with Mitch Jackson , co-founder of Queen City Bakery in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Mitch shares how a chance discovery of the “Queen City” nickname inspired the bakery’s name and timeless vision for classic, all-American pastries. He and his wife, Christine, built their business on a simple but powerful philosophy: quality over everything...

In this episode of Building Loved Businesses, Nathan Schock interviews Vince Wuebker, CEO of Hot Springs Spas, who shares his inspiring journey from a cattle farm to leading a successful hot tub business. Vince discusses the importance of networking, hard work, and a shift in mindset that transformed his approach to business. He emphasizes selling wellness rather than just products, the impact of...

In this episode, Tom Slattery, CEO of JJ's, shares the journey of his business from its humble beginnings as a mom-and-pop shop to a multifaceted adult beverage retailer and event services company. He discusses the importance of customer experience, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and the innovative strategies implemented to adapt and grow. Tom emphasizes the significance of communi...

In this episode of Building Loved Businesses, Nathan Schock interviews Josh Farley, Vice President of Kilowatt Electric, a company with over 40 years of history in Rapid City, South Dakota. Josh shares his journey from a small-town upbringing in South Dakota to his experiences in Alaska, and how these shaped his leadership style and approach to business. The conversation delves into the founding s...