Big Talk About Small Business

Can you imagine turning a childhood hobby into a thriving business empire? Join us in this captivating episode as we chat with Michael Lebhar, a top seller on Walmart, who started his entrepreneurial journey with simple lawn mowing and car washing gigs. Michael’s story is a testament to how early ventures in high school selling fitness products on eBay and Amazon can lead to dominating less competitive marketplaces like Walmart. Discover the strategic nuances and market insights that propelled Michael and his brother to the top of their category.
Our conversation takes a deep dive into the art of scaling service-based businesses. Michael reveals the critical elements that underpin success, from crafting a compelling value proposition to fostering a customer-centric team culture. Learn why businesses should seek significant advantages rather than marginal improvements and how balancing immediate execution with long-term strategy is vital. Michael’s practical advice on continuous improvement and adapting based on client feedback is invaluable for any service-oriented entrepreneur aiming for sustainability.
Lastly, we tackle the intricate decisions around funding and growth. Michael shares his perspective on the delicate balance between bootstrapping and seeking venture funding, emphasizing the importance of strategic partners and maintaining financial stability. Hear his thoughts on managing the overflow of ideas, the thrill of new ventures, and the necessity of having a team that challenges and supports you. This episode is a treasure trove of insights on navigating the entrepreneurial landscape, balancing creativity with practicality, and building a business that not only survives but thrives.

Ever wondered why your business hits a slump every summer or spikes erratically around the holidays? Discover how to master the ebb and flow of seasonal cycles to keep your operations running smoothly year-round. We share firsthand experiences and actionable strategies to help you navigate these predictable yet challenging periods, ensuring your business remains resilient and thriving. From the impact of travel schedules on productivity to the surge in activity post-New Year, we'll arm you with the knowledge to plan effectively and sustain team morale and financial stability.
Feeling isolated as an entrepreneur? You’re not alone. We get real about the emotional rollercoaster that comes with running a business, including the challenges of communicating these stresses to loved ones. Hear our behind-the-scenes stories of setting up an office above a lively diner in Boston, and learn why a supportive environment, mentors, and external validation are crucial for your success. We emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, even amidst internal struggles, to ensure your team's morale and drive remain intact.
What's the secret to combating seasonality and ensuring consistent growth? Tune in as we dissect innovative approaches taken by businesses like St. Louis bike shops and retail giants like Walmart. Learn how proactive marketing and product diversification can keep sales steady throughout the year. We also delve into maximizing email marketing, strategic growth without heavy capital dependency, and drawing inspiration from nature's perseverance. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, these insights will equip you with the tools to push through downturns and achieve sustainable growth.

Embark on an entrepreneurial odyssey with us as Josh Saffran, a trailblazer in franchise ownership, reveals the alchemy of fusing visionary leadership with grounded, actionable steps. Recalling the electric launch of The Gents Place, we weave tales of community support and the impetus behind the brand's inception. Through candid banter, Josh and Eric unpack the importance of networking—especially for young go-getters—and the art of encircling oneself with a team that brings visionary ideas to life. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to master the balancing act of nurturing a concept while executing with excellence.
Step into a world where your barber's chair could be the next networking hotspot, as we illuminate how unexpected venues can spark entrepreneurial thinking. We share stories that showcase how non-traditional spaces foster connections that blossom into business ventures. Through a tapestry of personal anecdotes, Josh and Eric highlight the strategic dance of cultivating relationships over time, proving that the best business deals are often rooted in genuine rapport rather than the hard sell. Tune in for an episode that's as much about building meaningful connections as it is about driving business growth.
Dive deep into the vibrant entrepreneurial scene of Northwest Arkansas, as we unravel the rich tapestry of support networks buoying budding business owners. From startup funding to the buzz of an upcoming supply chain event, we dissect the community's interconnected fabric that champions risk-taking and innovation. Josh and Eric also toast to the local podcasting community, celebrating the profound impact of mentorship and the courage to leap into the fray with groundbreaking ideas. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is your guide to turning vision into action, right here in the heart of America's bustling business nucleus.

What sparked the transformation of a small local business into a thriving enterprise on the Inc. 5000 list? Join us as we sit down with Jeremy Turley from TPC, formerly The Payroll Company, to uncover the strategic decisions and bold moves that steered their rebranding journey. Jeremy shares his experiences navigating regional differences and unexpected perceptions, emphasizing the critical role of regional adaptation and stellar customer service. Discover the secrets behind TPC’s expansion into new markets and why outsourcing payroll services could be the game-changer your business needs.
Ever wonder how a colorful legacy akin to Mad Men's Don Draper might influence a career in management and HR? Dive into a narrative enriched with personal stories about overcoming workplace challenges and shaping company cultures. From the innovative use of AI tools in HR to the profound impact of population growth in the Northwest, our guest reflects on the evolving landscape of HR and the indispensable role of directors in mediating between management and staff. Listen to insights on creative hiring strategies and maintaining a workforce that truly mirrors your company’s culture and values.
Experience the remarkable journey from a childhood in Kenya to a diverse career path in the U.S., highlighting the cultural transitions that marked this personal and professional evolution. Hear about the unique challenges and opportunities encountered while pursuing education at John Brown University and leveraging community connections to navigate a career spanning real estate to entrepreneurship. Whether it’s the lessons from an early digital venture like Go Pickle or the importance of hiring smarter individuals, the episode offers a treasure trove of wisdom on adaptability, creativity, and the power of a supportive network in any entrepreneurial journey.

What if your unique skill set could align perfectly with a transformative project?
Join Eric and Mark as Tanner Bassett, a serial entrepreneur with a background in landscape architecture, shares his compelling journey from design firms to becoming an integral part of a significant wetland construction project for Northwest Health in Bentonville. Tanner’s story reveals how his landscape architecture degree, hospital campus master planning thesis, and coursework in wetland construction made him uniquely qualified to lead this project. He offers an inside look at the extensive design and monitoring efforts involved, underscoring the therapeutic benefits of outdoor spaces in hospital settings.
Ever wondered how to turn failures into stepping stones for success? Tanner, Eric and Mark delve into the importance of maintaining a learning mindset and how identifying a niche, coupled with continuous innovation, can set one apart in the competitive entrepreneurial landscape. They discuss the value of diverse educational backgrounds, the accumulation of small skills over time, and how early career aggressiveness can be a game-changer, and also touch on the fear of rejection among today’s youth and how fostering independence and resilience through parenting can help overcome this barrier.
Is adaptability the secret sauce to business success? From creating win-win scenarios to embracing technology's transformative impact, the trio explore the multifaceted nature of success and resilience in today’s fast-paced world. Highlighting real-world examples, like a landscaping company’s innovative approach to a soccer complex project, the discussion illustrates how providing value and empathy in any role is key to building meaningful connections and opportunities.
The conversation is enriched with insights from influential business books, emphasizing the importance of understanding various roles within entrepreneurship and the timeless strategies for creating value-driven, sustainable business relationships.