Small Business Strong

Most people see a successful business. They rarely hear the story behind it. In this episode of  Small Business Strong , I sit down with  James Reed , founder of  MAG Feeders , to talk about far more than deer feeders. We discuss faith, family, sacrifice, perseverance, and what it really takes to build something that lasts. James shares the story behind his first homemade prototype, the obstacles...

What does it really take to own a successful small business? In this episode of  Small Business Strong , I sit down with  Andrew Plagens , owner of Aluminum Alloys, to discuss what it’s like to buy an established business instead of starting one from scratch. Andrew shares why he chose business ownership, the freedom it has created for his family, the unexpected challenges he’s faced, and the less...

Should homeowners buy their own materials, or should the contractor handle it? In this episode of Small Business Strong, we break down when homeowners should buy fixtures, tile, paint colors, and finishes — and when contractors should handle materials for better quality, durability, and fewer problems. We also cover the biggest mistakes that cause delays, surprise costs, and frustration during rem...

Before you start your next paint project, these 7 simple painting tips can save you time, money, and frustration — and help your walls look cleaner, smoother, and more professional. In this episode of Small Business Strong, I’m sharing practical painting advice every homeowner should know before picking up a brush or roller. Whether you’re painting one room, freshening up your house before selling...

Got burning homeowner questions? In this Q&A episode of Small Business Strong, handyman and home improvement expert John Lane draws on years of field experience to answer the questions he hears most. From cheap upgrades that actually add value, to spotting a trustworthy contractor, pulling permits, knowing what to fix first, and decoding those cracks in your drywall — this episode is packed wi...

Most homeowners assume a 4.9-star contractor with hundreds of reviews must be trustworthy. But in today’s world of fake review farms, review gating, and reputation manipulation, that rating may not mean what you think it does. In this episode of Small Business Strong, John Lane explains how online reviews are being manipulated in the home service industry and gives homeowners practical ways to pro...

May is your last chance. Every June, phones start blowing up with emergency calls that could’ve been prevented with a few simple steps in May. In this episode, I walk you through a practical checklist to get your home ready before the Texas heat hits. We cover: Why your AC system needs attention NOW (not in June) How your attic could be silently driving up your energy bill Easy fixes for windows,...

Learn how to start a handyman business step-by-step—even with no experience—and how to realistically grow. In this episode of Small Business Strong, I break down exactly how to get your first jobs, what tools you actually need, how to price your work, and how to build momentum fast. No fluff—just real-world advice from running a handyman business every day. ⸻  What you’ll learn: • How to get your...

Not every fence needs to be replaced—but not every fence should be repaired either. In this episode, I break down how to tell the difference so you don’t waste money making the wrong call. We cover when repair actually makes sense, when replacement is the smarter move, and how to think about cost, longevity, and long-term value. If you’re dealing with a leaning, aging, or damaged fence, this will...

Homes require constant maintenance—but the real issue isn’t maintenance… it’s what gets ignored. In this episode of Small Business Strong, I break down the top 5 things I personally see causing serious (and expensive) damage in homes—the stuff most homeowners don’t even realize is a problem until it’s too late. This isn’t theory. This is what I see every week in real houses.🔧 What We Cover: 1. Dr...

In Episode 10, I break down the real reasons why so many homeowners end up getting ripped off by contractors and handymen. It’s not always bad intentions—most of the time, it comes down to poor decisions, unclear expectations, and lack of communication. I walk through 6 (really 5) common mistakes homeowners make, including choosing the cheapest bid, not getting a clear scope of work, and failing t...

In this episode, I talk about a shift in the direction of Small Business Strong. I’ll still be interviewing other business owners, but moving forward I’m going to spend more time breaking down what it actually looks like to run my handyman business day to day. From pricing and mistakes to the reality behind the scenes, this episode sets the foundation for what’s coming next. If you’re running a bu...

In this episode of Small Business Strong, I'm in the interview chair to share my own story. I break down how I started my handyman business in 2021—right after getting laid off—and how remodeling my own home became the foundation for learning real, practical skills. I talk through the early challenges of supporting a family, the mistakes I made starting out, and the small wins that helped buil...

Russell Birk, owner of Maya’s Modern Mediterranean, joins Small Business Strong to talk about the reality of building a high-quality Mediterranean restaurant — and do what it takes to make it work. Before opening Maya’s, Russell worked in finance. He analysed restaurant financials, studied turnaround strategies for them, and identified other tactics that weren't being capitalized on. He saw th...

In this episode, I sit down with my wife, Audrey Lane, to talk about how she started a vintage resale shop with zero dollars. We break down exactly how she got started — including finding items on the side of the road, sourcing for free, and turning everyday finds into real income. This is one of the most flexible jobs you can do: no boss, no schedule, and no office. You can work for yourself and...

In this episode of Small Business Strong, I sit down with Chandler Wakefield, founder of Wakefield Woodworking, to talk through the real path of building a professional woodworking business from the ground up—starting with just $1,500 in tools. Chandler shares how he got his start working alongside his father-in-law, learning the ropes of the trade the hard way and developing the skills, disciplin...

In this episode, I sit down with Nick Gainey of Lone Star Threads to talk through his journey of starting and growing a T-shirt and embroidery business from the ground up. Nick shares the risks he took early on and what it really looks like to build something before the success ever shows up. We also talk about Nick’s decision to purchase a painting company using an SBA loan, what stepping into ow...

In this episode, I sit down with Joseph Arze, co-owner of Harp & Bowl Coffee Co., a specialty coffee company based here in Rockwall, Texas. We talk about Joseph’s upbringing, his time at Dallas Baptist University, and the experiences — including a formative trip to Guatemala — that helped shape his path toward entrepreneurship. Joseph shares what it was really like to start Harp & Bowl, th...

In this episode, I sit down with Kalin Seamans, owner of Revelation Electrical Services here in Rockwall, Texas. We talk about how he built his electrical business, the lessons he learned from starting two other businesses that didn’t work out, and how relationships and referrals have become the foundation of the way he serves people today. Kalin shares what it looks like to rebuild after failure,...

In this episode, I sit down with Bill Lucas, owner of Your Garage Door Guys and a local pastor in the Rockwall area. We talk about how he started his business, what it takes to serve people well, and how faith influences the way we work, lead, and handle challenges in everyday life. Bill shares lessons from balancing business, ministry, family, and community — and how choosing to operate with inte...

Welcome to Small Business Strong! I'm your host, John Lane, a small business owner, and every episode, I sit down with business owners who've taken an idea and turned it into reality. So get ready to join me on some insightful conversations with my amazing guests. Have an idea for a business you'd like to hear? Email John at smallbusinessstrongpodcast@gmail.com Handiwork Startup System...