Let's Talk small Business with Mitchell Wilson

In this episode of Let’s Talk Small Business , Mitchell sits down with Ryan Edwards, former cricketer turned hospo hero, to chat about his first year owning The Little Sprig in Wakefield. From coaching cricket and real estate lessons to pulling pints and perfecting pizzas, Ryan shares the highs, lows, and learnings of life as a new small business owner. They dive into his surprising entry into ent...

From wholesaling joke-shop rubber chickens to co-founding one of Southland’s fastest-growing real estate businesses, Adam Love’s journey is anything but typical. In this episode, Mitchell sits down with the co-founder of Smart Move Residential to talk about the leap from employee to entrepreneur, working with his wife and business partner Tracy, navigating burnout, and why selling property is real...

After four decades in the sales game, Glenn Poulos has seen it all and lived to write the book on it. In this episode, Mitchell chats with the Never Sit in the Lobby author about what’s changed, what hasn’t, and how to sell without being a pain in the ass. They dig into why showing up still wins deals, the real difference between sales and marketing, and how tools like AI can boost productivity (b...

In this episode of Let’s Talk Small Business , Mitchell sits down with Nick Schryvers, co-owner of Victus Coffee and Eatery in Nelson. From his first adult job packing coffee boxes to winning barista awards and running one of the region’s most celebrated cafes, Nick opens up about the gritty realities and soul-filling moments of small business life. He shares how he and his wife Beth built Victus...

What’s holding your business back? Strategy? Systems? Or... mindset? In this episode of Let’s Talk Small Business, Mitchell sits down with Tullio Siragusa—business strategist, author, and founder of Inventric Advisory—to unpack the hidden force behind many growth struggles: limiting beliefs. Tullio shares how his own leadership breakthrough came not from more tactics, but from rewiring his mindset...

What happens when a sparkie swaps the switchboard for a sketchpad? Wayne Pretty, founder of Pretty Sweet Lighting, joins Mitchell to share how he turned a one-man van into a high-end lighting design company now entering its 12th year. Based in Wanaka, Wayne’s journey is filled with lessons on grit, growth, and the power of a tight-knit crew. From skateboarding office parties to award-winning desig...

After years of success in corporate banking, Juliette took a giant leap — into the unknown world of small business. In this episode, Mitchell sits down with the Principal of Quinovic Nelson to unpack her remarkable journey from legal offices and financial markets to becoming one of the most respected names in property management. She opens up about the early grind, why the first three years nearly...

In this episode of Let’s Talk Small Business , Mitchell sits down with Ben Brownie, co-owner of The Car Company — one of the largest dealerships in the South Island. From grooming cars in a tiny Nelson lot to helping lead a 400-vehicle operation, Ben shares the gritty, honest story of his rise through the ranks. He opens up about burnout, learning to lead, and why personal growth is just as vital...

In this episode of Let’s Talk Small Business, I sit down with long-time real estate leader Graeme Wilson, whose journey from dairy farming to building a respected agency is full of powerful lessons on people, purpose, and perseverance. Graeme opens up about: • His shift from the farm to the real estate game • How team culture and one-on-one leadership helped build lasting success • Overcoming adve...

In this episode of Let’s Talk Small Business, I chat with tech veteran and AI advocate Ross Hawkins about the rise of artificial intelligence — from a futuristic buzzword to a powerful business tool. We explore: • How AI is streamlining workflows and automating daily tasks • The ethical and safety challenges behind the scenes • What “general AI” really means (and how far off it is) • Why small bus...

In this episode of Let’s Talk Small Business, I sit down with seasoned entrepreneur and mortgage broker Stuart Pope, who brings four decades of real-world business and financial wisdom to the table. From his early days as an engineer to building a successful mortgage brokerage, Stu shares lessons learned the hard way — from managing cash flow and navigating employee challenges to the importance of...

In this episode of Let’s Talk Small Business, I sit down with serial entrepreneur Frank Witowski, the unstoppable force behind Hybrid Bikes, to talk about one thing: creating your own opportunities — even when the odds are stacked against you. Frank shares his raw, unfiltered journey through 11 businesses (only two of which were planned), including the legal battles, the wins, the mini-stroke that...

In this conversation, Kat Campbell shares her journey in the real estate industry, detailing her transition from working within a franchise to establishing her own boutique agency, KC and Co. She discusses the challenges and fears associated with leaving a comfortable position, the unexpected circumstances that led to her departure, and the rapid development of her new brand. Kat also introduces A...

In this kickoff episode of Let’s Talk Small Business , I sit down with marketing expert Todd Starr to uncover the #1 reason most businesses fail — and it’s probably not what you think. We also dive into Todd’s personal journey, including the hard lessons from his own failed businesses, what he’d do differently, and how those experiences shaped the way he helps others grow today. If you’re building...