Small Business Pivots

Your business might show a healthy profit on paper — but why does your bank account still feel empty? In this eye-opening episode, Avi Pinsky, founder & CEO of Pinsky Consulting and a sought-after fractional CFO, uncovers the hidden reasons so many business owners struggle with cash flow despite seeing "profits" in their statements. Avi explains the real difference between profit and...

What if your business was designed to give you freedom—not take it away? In this powerful episode of Small Business Pivots , I sit down with Scott Jarred , Founder & CEO of Invst , to unpack how he went from growing up in Section 8 housing to achieving financial freedom—and how he’s now helping other entrepreneurs do the same. 🔑 Scott shares the one mindset shift that transformed everything:...

Could your successful business become a franchise? Or better yet— should it? In this insightful episode of Small Business Pivots , Dr. Tom Dufore , CEO of Big Sky Franchise Team , breaks down what it really takes to franchise your business—and why franchising isn’t the right fit for everyone. With over 21 years of experience in franchise development as both a franchisor and franchisee, Tom shares...

Want to stop chasing one client at a time and start influencing hundreds with a single message? Public speaking may be the most overlooked growth tool in your business—and Robert Kennedy III is here to change that. In this episode of Small Business Pivots , I sit down with Robert Kennedy III, professional speaker, coach, and Founder of Kennetik Kommunications , to talk about how small business own...

What causes some businesses to scale while others stay stuck in survival mode? Jennifer Christensen, co-founder of Beacon Media + Marketing , knows the answer firsthand. After growing her Alaska-based digital marketing agency to the Inc. 5000 list, she shares the honest story of how expanding too fast—and too wide—nearly ended it all. In this episode of Small Business Pivots , Jennifer pulls back...

Are you tired of networking events that feel like a waste of time? Sybil Hale gets it—and she’s here to flip the script. In this episode of Small Business Pivots , Sybil, Founder & CEO of both Pro’s Make Ready Sanitizing Services and Mix and Mingle , shares how she turned authentic connections into real business growth. As an entrepreneur who started her journey cleaning homes and navigating p...

What is a brand—and why do so many business owners get it wrong? In this powerful episode of Small Business Pivots , host Michael D. Morrison sits down with Jim Heininger , Principal at Rebranding Experts , to unpack the true meaning of branding and why updating a logo is not the same as rebranding. From iconic transformations like Victoria’s Secret , Abercrombie & Fitch , and Meta (formerly F...

In this powerful episode of Small Business Pivots , mental health advocate and nonprofit founder Stacee Goetzinger shares her life journey navigating anxiety, depression, anorexia, self-harm, and borderline personality disorder—while also running a business and helping others do the same. Forget the polished success stories. Stacee offers something different: raw honesty from the middle of the bat...

When Kayla Trent traded spreadsheets for smoked brisket, she wasn’t just changing careers—she was reclaiming her life. In this inspiring episode, Kayla, the founder of KatHouse BBQ in Oklahoma City , shares how she left a stifling accounting job to build a thriving female-owned barbecue business fueled by passion, grit, and community.  Like many new entrepreneurs, Kayla encountered unexpected chal...

What Happens to Your Business If You Step Away Tomorrow? Rick Yvanovich has built multiple global companies over the past 30+ years—but his journey started stocking supermarket shelves. In this episode, Rick shares what it really takes to grow a business that can run without you. From battling long COVID to redefining his role as a leader, Rick opens up about the mindset shift every business owner...

In this episode of Small Business Pivots , Michael sits down with Matthew Stafford—former concrete contractor turned e-commerce strategist whose businesses have generated over $400 million in revenue. But the real story isn’t just about scaling brands—it's about scaling beliefs . Matthew reveals how deeply your self-worth and mindset impact your bottom line. For years, his business growth pla...

In this compelling episode of Small Business Pivots , we sit down with Jackie Listen, a seasoned entrepreneur, certified Ziglar Legacy and Master Coach, and author of A Place Called Through . Jackie's journey from his early days on a hog and dairy farm in Jones, Oklahoma, to becoming a successful real estate professional and banker, exemplifies resilience and determination. He shares how foun...

What separates truly successful business owners from those who stay stuck? In this episode of Small Business Pivots , host Michael Morrison sits down with Andreas Pettersson , Founder of Leaders Adapt , to explore the real reasons why some entrepreneurs scale to success—while others spin their wheels. After helping grow a tech company to a nine-figure valuation, Andreas reveals that strategy and f...

Mastering Google Ads: Lead generation strategies to grow your small business with John Horn of StubGroup Navigating the complexities of Google Ads can be daunting for small business owners, but in this episode of Small Business Pivots , John Horn, CEO of Stub Group, breaks it all down. From avoiding wasted ad spend to leveraging smart targeting strategies, Horn shares proven tactics that help busi...

Ever wondered how some entrepreneurs turn an unexpected career shift into a thriving business? Travis Briggs, co-owner of Trichology Salon in Oklahoma City, went from tending bar to leading a successful 20-station salon—all by embracing continuous learning, business systems, and strategic hiring. In this episode of Small Business Pivots, Travis shares how he helped build a sustainable and scalable...

​In this transformative episode of Small Business Pivots, we engage with Kute Blackson—a renowned transformational teacher, speaker, and bestselling author of "You. Are. The. One." and "The Magic of Surrender"—to explore the profound connection between self-worth, personal growth, and business transformation. ​ Kute shares his unique perspective on "uncoaching," a pro...

Struggling with stage fright or camera anxiety? In this episode, we sit down with Kerry Barrett , an Emmy-winning former TV news anchor turned communications expert, to uncover the secrets of commanding confidence on screen. Kerry shares her journey from aspiring veterinarian to award-winning broadcaster, highlighting the power of communication skills in personal and professional success . If the...

Imagine leaving your business behind while fighting overseas. How do you ensure it thrives without you?   Our guest, James Spearman, founder & CEO of James Spearman Aircraft,  shares his inspiring journey, shedding light on the challenges he faced and the turning points that defined his path. From a childhood marked by adversity to discovering the transformative power of structured processes,...

Ever wondered how a small-town upbringing can shape a big-time career in tech? In this episode of Small Business Pivots, we sit down with Kyle York, co-founder & CEO of York IE, to uncover his journey from growing up in a family-run athletic footwear business in New Hampshire to leading a strategic growth and investment firm for tech startups. Kyle shares invaluable insights on entrepreneurshi...

What does it take to build a thriving business as a solopreneur? In this episode of Small Business Pivots , we sit down with Joe Rando, Founder & CEO of LifeStarr, to explore the key lessons he's learned from decades of entrepreneurship. Joe’s journey began in commercial real estate, where he leveraged creativity and relationships to develop shopping centers—without massive upfront invest...

Prepare to be inspired as Blair Nichols, the vibrant force behind BBN Creative Management, joins us on Small Business Pivots. He reveals his journey from a childhood curiosity about business to becoming a powerhouse in empowering entrepreneurs through speaking engagements. Blair opens up about his transition from a corporate career to full-time entrepreneurship, sharing how storytelling and commun...

What happens when you combine a memorable nickname like "Muffler Mama" with the art of personal branding? Join us as we uncover the unique journey of Kay Miller, a trailblazer in male-dominated industries and a number one Amazon bestseller. Through her lens, we learn how personal stories and experiences can transform self-doubt into self-confidence, creating an uncopyable brand. Host Mic...

Discover the art of simplifying strategic marketing with Amber Gaige, founder of Far Beyond Marketing and a third-generation entrepreneur from McKinney, Texas. With over 25 years of experience and an entrepreneurial legacy, Amber shares invaluable insights into navigating small business marketing challenges. Comparing effective marketing to a perfectly layered chocolate cake, she highlights the im...

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Adam Nathan, the innovative mind behind Blaze.ai, a game-changing AI-driven marketing tool crafted specifically for small businesses. Adam's journey from a family business background to spearheading his own venture is nothing short of inspiring. He opens up about how Blaze.ai empowers small business owners to navigate the digital landscape by simpli...

Join us for an insightful conversation with a remarkable entrepreneur, Ryan Chute, who has successfully navigated the retail, furniture, and automotive industries. Discover how our guest's personal growth journey has been instrumental in overcoming business challenges and transforming high-pressure environments into opportunities for success. You'll learn how the intersection of brand an...