EWH University for Small Business Show

In this episode, we ask a powerful question: what's your wish for where you want to be 10, 20, 30, or even 40 years from now after a lifetime of running your business? Time will pass faster than you think, and the life you'll have then will be the direct result of the decisions and commitments you make today. Too often, we get caught up in the daily grind—so busy making a living that we forget to build a life. This conversation is about how to ensure your business becomes a masterpiece, a reflection of who you are, what you value, and the impact you want to make. We'll talk about how to keep your eyes on what matters most—your family, your legacy, your purpose—so that when the decades pass, you'll have built not just a business, but a life and legacy you're proud of.

In this episode, we're tackling a question every small business owner asks: how do I reduce the stress my business puts on me? You'll learn how to build a business that supports your life, fuels your passion, and gives you more joy—not just more headaches. If you're ready to go from burnout to breakthrough, this episode is for you.

Are you afraid of ChatGPT—or just unsure what it really is? If you're a small business owner and not using this powerful tool, you're missing out on opportunities to save time, reduce costs, and grow your business. In this episode, we dive into what ChatGPT is and explore real-life examples of how business owners are using it to streamline processes, enhance marketing, and tackle everyday tasks. From creating detailed spreadsheets to generating marketing messages that land with your ideal client, we'll show you how AI can transform your business operations. You'll also learn about the common pitfalls of AI and why keeping the human element in your marketing, messaging, and leadership is critical for success. Whether you're just dipping your toes in the water or ready to dive in, this episode will inspire you to leverage ChatGPT to its full potential. Tune in for actionable insights, practical examples, and the tools you need to harness AI for your business—because small business success is all about working smarter, not harder.

Starting a small business is tough, but getting off to the right start can make all the difference between success and failure. In this episode, we'll share essential tips and strategies to lay a solid foundation for success. Whether you're launching a new venture or giving your current business a fresh perspective, this show is packed with practical advice and actionable steps. Get ready for another great show filled with fuel, insights, and strategies to support a successful start and jumpstart to your small business.

Change, adaptation, and innovation are essential to growing a business—but staying relevant gets even harder the longer you're in business. In this episode, we sit down with Dan Meyer, founder of BizTimes Milwaukee, who's grown and evolved his company for 30 years in one of the most disrupted industries: publishing. If you want real-world lessons on navigating change, adapting, innovation and building long-term success, this is the episode for you.

After living through a painfully bad sales and customer service experience, I was reminded of a powerful truth—we're all in leadership. Whether you're in sales, service, operations, or management, your ability to influence, communicate, and lead others matters. In this episode, I share the experience we've all lived through, and how it reveals the simple, universal formula we use with teams and businesses to improve communication, leadership, and results at every level. It's a warning—and an example—and a reminder to lead better in every role we play.

In this episode, I'm talking about how we doubled the size of the family business I grew up in—and the key insights that can help you double the size of your business too. Success leaves clues, and what we learned in our family business—and then built on—can help you build on your own success. If you're ready to grow, these takeaways will give you the tools, mindset, and strategies to take your business to the next level.

In the spirit of Father's Day—and in honor of the man this university was named after—this episode is dedicated to the lessons I learned from my dad that helped us double our family business. After college, I joined the business he built from the ground up, and the greatest gift of my life was not just learning from him, but doing it with him. In this show, I'll share the strategies, insights, and golden nuggets I learned by watching him lead and by leading alongside him. These are the lessons that fueled our growth—and they might just help you double your business, too. Love you, Dad. Happy Father's Day.

In this episode, Steve Gift shares how he built, transitioned, and successfully exited his CPA firm—ensuring a strong handoff for both his team and clients. Whether you plan to lead your business for decades or exit and start a new chapter, this conversation offers clarity and strategies to help you get paid, protect your team, and define what success looks like for you.

On the entrepreneurial journey, breakthroughs often come from those powerful aha moments—when things finally click and you see the path forward. In this episode, we unpack the six core aha insights every business owner needs to grow, scale, and lead more effectively. While business can feel complex, it really comes down to six key areas—six problems to solve or opportunities to unlock. When you understand these, you take the mystery out of growth and get back to the fundamentals that actually move the needle. Whether you're stuck, scaling, or just searching for clarity, these six insights will help you grow the value of your business and lead it with confidence. Don't miss this one.

What does it really mean to grow the value of your business? In this episode, we unpack the true job of a business owner—not the manager, the leader, or the talent, but the one responsible for building long-term value. You'll learn what it looks like to wear the owner hat, think like a chairman or CEO, and focus on the outcomes that actually grow a business that's profitable, transferable, and built to last. Because at the end of the day, your job is simple: growing the value of your business—and this show will give you the roadmap to do it.

Do you feel like you have to do everything yourself to keep your business running? You're not alone. Many business owners get trapped in the mindset that no one else can do it as well—or fear what might happen if they delegate. But real growth doesn't come from doing more—it comes from learning how to lead more. In this episode, we break down what it truly means to work smarter, not harder, and why stepping fully into the role of owner—not operator—is the key to building a business that grows profitably and sustainably for the long haul. Bottom line: own it, don't do it. Tune in to find out what that really looks like.

Have the goal of selling and exiting your business someday? In this episode, we explore the entrepreneur's journey from start-up to scale to exit—and what it really takes to create a business that's both profitable and valuable. Because before you can sell something, you have to build a business that's truly worth the value you want for it when you exit. Whether you're just getting started or already thinking about exiting—whether soon or years down the road—learn the key insights every business owner needs to grow a company that creates real wealth, freedom, and one they can exit.

Is your business running you instead of you running it? In this episode, Brant Anderson shares how he's reclaiming his life after 18 years of building a $2 million company—offering real insight on how to build a business that's profitable and gives you your life back.

This week we're joined by Brant Anderson of Brant's Landscaping. Over the last decade, Brant grew his company 4X—an achievement few small businesses ever reach. As we always say, success leaves clues—and this episode is packed with real-world insights, and strategies you can apply right now to grow your business profitably and sustainably.

In this episode, we'll unpack what it really takes to become a top workplace and how to apply those lessons to build a great team and create a business your people love being part of. No one can replicate your culture—and when done right, it becomes one of your most significant competitive advantages. Plus, we will learn from a company I knew inside and out: the family business I grew up in, was a partner for 15 years, and helped double alongside my dad, Edward William Hastreiter—who our university is named after. It's one of the most successful small businesses I've ever known and was recently named a Top Workplace. This episode is full of golden nuggets to help you build a business that's profitable, sustainable, and a place your team wants to grow with.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Chuck from Tri-County Contracting, we dive into how they scaled through better teamwork, smarter hiring, building systems, and sharpening their marketing. Chuck shares how improving meetings, training, streamlining processes, and strengthening communication helped them grow with intention. We also began unpacking a tool they used to refine their marketing, which helped fuel continued growth—offering lessons that can inspire and elevate your own marketing efforts. Together, this show and the previous one highlight the critical systems and strategies businesses need to grow—and, just as importantly, when and how to implement them. Doing the right things at the wrong time can stall your progress, but Tri County Contracting shows what it looks like to take the right steps in the right order. Their journey is a powerful example to inspire any small business owner ready to grow profitably and sustainably.

Success leaves clues—and in this episode, Chuck from Tri County Contracting joins us to share how they laid the financial foundation to scale their business. We explore how they gained control of their finances, dialed in their bookkeeping, and used financial statements to drive better decisions and, most importantly, become profitable. Chuck also discusses how re-evaluating their pricing strategy was a critical move to increase margins and build momentum. With profitability in place, they turned their focus to scaling—setting the stage for long-term growth. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to get your business in financial shape and ready to expand, this is the episode to hear. Together, this show and the next one highlight the systems, decisions, and priorities that helped Tri County Contracting move from surviving to thriving. If you've ever wondered how to grow your business the right way, these two episodes are a must-listen.

Running a business can feel like a mystery—like you're constantly solving puzzles without all the pieces. But while business is complex, it's not infinitely complex. In this episode of EWH University for Small Business, we're unpacking key insights, strategies, and principles you can apply immediately to simplify how you run and grow your business.

No business can thrive without loyal customers who come back and refer others. That's why mastering customer service isn't optional—it's essential. In this episode, we sit down with Debra J. Schmidt, the "Loyalty Leader," who has worked with countless businesses for over three decades to deliver customer service that creates lasting loyalty and repeat business. From meeting and exceeding expectations to turning everyday moments into loyalty-building opportunities, Debra shares golden nuggets that can transform your approach to customer service. This episode is one of the most powerful and practical we've ever aired—and it's a must-listen for you and your entire team. Tune in, take notes, and start building a customer base that keeps coming back!

Cash flow can be a small business's biggest challenge or greatest opportunity. In this episode, we'll dive into how to implement a numbers-based strategy to create financial stability and long-term success. We'll break down the key steps to knowing your numbers, using them to drive sales, profits, and cash flow, and leveraging financial equity to build lasting wealth. Whether you're looking to solve cash flow struggles or maximize profits even further, these insights will keep both you and your business on solid financial footing. Tune in to take control of your cash flow and fuel your business growth!

Small Business Taxes: Wrap Up & Move Forward Tax season isn't just about filing—it's about closing the books on last year so you can focus on what's next without carrying unfinished business into the new year. In this episode, we're breaking down the key steps to finalizing last year's financials and making tax season work for you. How to organize your Year-End Business Financial Statement The Personal Year-End Tax Organizer File your taxes and focus forward! Think of it like wrapping up the last moves on the chessboard so you can start fresh and stay focused on the road ahead. When you know exactly where last year's numbers landed, you can plan smarter, make better financial and business decisions, and move forward with confidence.

Small businesses often struggle with training, team-building, communication, hiring, sales, and customer service—challenges that can drain time, money, and opportunities. But those who get it right see incredible ROI. In this episode, we'll break down why these areas matter, common mistakes that hold businesses back, and key insights to turn these challenges into strengths. Plus, we'll share three actionable steps you can take right now to improve these areas and create a more successful, high-performing business. Tune in to close the gap, strengthen your team, and take your business to the next level!

Small Business Marketing & Sales: Winning Your Own Super Bowl The Super Bowl isn't just about football—it's also the biggest stage for the most powerful commercials in the world. And while small businesses may not have million-dollar ad budgets, the way they market themselves is just as critical. Whether it's a networking pitch, a social media ad, a website message, or a sales conversation, too many business owners struggle with their "commercial" and it costs them leads, sales, and profit. In this episode, we're diving into the three biggest marketing and sales challenges small businesses face: Crafting a clear, compelling message across all platforms—networking, social, and beyond. Learning a simple, effective sales process (because no one ever really teaches you how). Selling with confidence and pricing for profit—so you can actually make money on every sale. Just like in real estate, profit is made in the sale, and in business, success starts with great marketing. If your messaging isn't landing or you're not selling with confidence, this is your playbook for turning things around. Tune in and let's make sure your next business "commercial" is a winner!

Buying a business can be full of landmines, and even experienced buyers often overlook key factors that can make or break a deal. In this episode, we're taking the guesswork out of buying a business, sharing some of the most important things to look for to ensure you're making a smart, profitable investment. Whether you're exploring your first acquisition or you've bought businesses before, you'll discover actionable insights to navigate the process with confidence.

Finances in a family business can be uniquely challenging but are key to success when managed well. In this episode, we focus on profitability, exploring how running your family business like a business and working on it—not just in it—creates a thriving organization. We'll address common challenges like entitlement mentalities or perceptions of unfairness around pay and compensation, and share strategies to eliminate fear and scarcity around money. Done right, a profitable family business benefits everyone. Tune in to align your family business and finances for lasting success!

Being part of a family business—whether you're part of the family or not—can be uniquely challenging for everyone involved. For the first time, we're sharing three key insights drawn from years of experience both in running a family business and working with countless others. These insights will not only help you grow a successful and profitable family business but also create a greater return on what we all dedicate so much of our time and energy to. Tune in for practical strategies to foster growth, harmony, and shared success in your family business.

Starting a small business is tough, but getting off to the right start can make all the difference between success and failure. In this episode, we'll share essential tips and strategies to lay a solid foundation for success. Whether you're launching a new venture or giving your current business a fresh perspective, this show is packed with practical advice and actionable steps. Get ready for another great show filled with fuel, insights, and strategies to support a successful start and jumpstart to your small business.

What's the key to achieving success in any organization? It's simple: teamwork makes the dream work. Whether you're running a small business, leading a team, or just looking for ways to improve collaboration, this episode dives deep into the importance of teamwork and how it drives success. We'll explore powerful insights from business legends like Henry Ford and share lessons learned from decades of experience running and coaching small businesses. Discover practical strategies to build stronger teams, foster better communication, and resolve conflicts effectively—all while creating a culture of trust and collaboration. No matter your role in the business, this show is packed with golden nuggets to help you and your team succeed. Tune in to gain tools and perspectives to elevate your leadership, enhance your team dynamics, and turn your business vision into reality.

This week on EWH University for Small Business, we're exploring a critical aspect of running a successful business: surrounding yourself with the right key partners. Whether it's the start of the year or any time during it, evaluating your internal and external business advisors is essential for long-term success. In this episode, we'll focus on one of the most important relationships in your business—your accountant. We'll discuss how to ensure you're covered with accurate and timely financial information, basic business guidance, and proactive tax planning. These are the keys to growing your business, increasing cash flow, and making sure all your bases are covered. Tune in to learn how to strengthen your relationships with your key partners and set your business up for success in the most important areas. Don't miss this practical guide to building a strong foundation for growth!

This week in the world of Small Business, we're diving into what goal setting and resolutions truly mean—not just for the new year, but for anytime you're looking at what's next for you and your business. This isn't just another New Year's show; it's a guide to envisioning your next chapter and creating a compelling vision for your life and business. In this episode, we'll share real-life examples to help you reflect on your goals—not just for your business, but for YOU. Whether it's crafting a vision for success, fulfillment, or balance, we'll explore how to ensure your goals align with the life you truly want. You started your business to create a life you love, not to have it run you. Tune in as we unpack practical tools and insights to help you create a vision that inspires action. Anytime you face a new horizon, this episode will serve as a roadmap to revisit, helping you set goals that drive you toward success and fulfillment. Now is always the best time to start—don't miss this chance to shape the future you've always dreamed of!

When it comes to understanding your strengths, improving communication, making better hires, building a stronger team, generating more leads, or closing more sales, businesses and their teams often need help knowing where to turn or what tools to use to improve and grow! In this episode, we're exploring the power of self-assessments and how they can transform your business, leadership, and team. We'll share what makes these tools so valuable; the key do's and don'ts to ensure their success, and how to avoid common mistakes that can diminish their impact and fanfare. You'll learn how to harness these assessments to improve relationships, build stronger teams, and unlock new growth opportunities in your business. Don't miss this practical guide to using self-assessments effectively to strengthen your leadership and take your business to the next level!

This week in the world of small business, we're uncovering what sets successful, profitable businesses apart from those that struggle. After decades of working with thousands of small businesses, we've identified the 10 secrets to achieving results in your small business. In this episode, we'll explore a few of these powerful insights and how they can help you build, lead, and grow a thriving business. These secrets are designed to empower entrepreneurs, helping them control their own destiny and make their dreams a reality. Tune in for these priceless golden nuggets that will give you the edge to grow your business and reach your goals!  

This week in the world of small business, we're focusing on one of the most critical steps to running a successful business—ensuring profitability and positive cash flow. Many small business owners struggle not only to close profitable sales but to manage their entire business to consistently hit their bottom-line targets. In this episode, we'll dive into common obstacles that can hinder your cash flow and profitability, along with proven strategies to overcome them. Tune in to learn how to keep your business on track financially and achieve the profitability goals you've set for your organization!

This week in the world of small business, we're tackling a critical challenge for many business owners, salespeople, and even team members occasionally involved in sales—how to close more sales and ensure each one is profitable. Too often, people struggle not only to make the sale but to make it at a price that benefits the business. In this episode, we'll explore key skills that can help you boost your close rate and profitability, covering everything from effective sales techniques to pricing strategies. Whether you're in sales full-time or just sometimes step into that role, understanding how to make sales that sustain your business is invaluable. Tune in to learn how to overcome common sales challenges, master the art of pricing, and set your business up for success from the very first sale!

This week on the EWH University for Small Business show, we're diving into the often-confusing world of business financing. Many small business owners struggle to understand how to secure financing, whether from a bank or another lending institution. To simplify this process, we're joined by Dan Franecki, Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking at Tri City National Bank and a 20-year veteran who sits on their loan committee. Dan will break down why having a strong relationship with your banker is essential and what you need to know to secure a loan—from what bankers will ask for to what they're looking for! Tune in for this powerful session that will demystify the ABCs of financing and set you on the path to success!

So many small business owners struggle with hiring, communicating, supporting, and developing their team—or simply put, hiring and teamwork. In this show, we will introduce a simple tool that, when implemented successfully, can transform these critical areas. Learn how to make better hires, increase retention, and build a stronger, more connected team. Tune in to discover how to apply these strategies to support your team and take your business growth to the next level.

"Health is Wealth: Unlocking Peak Performance for Busy Professionals with Jenn Trepeck from 'A Salad with a Side of Fries'" – In this episode, we'll explore how prioritizing physical health is key to achieving success in both business and life. Join us and special guest Jenn Trepeck as we discuss the link between daily rituals, nutrition, and peak performance, offering practical strategies for managing stress and maintaining health amidst a busy schedule. Whether you're a business owner, leader, or professional, this episode will provide actionable insights to help you improve your well-being, productivity, and career outcomes by making your health a top priority. 

This week, we're diving into what business owners need to focus on as we enter the fourth quarter—growing your business and cash flow. In this episode, we'll cover everything from tax planning to budgeting for year-end, helping you set clear goals for the coming year. We'll explore the importance of solid financial statements, bookkeeping, and reporting systems that ensure you have the data for smart decision-making. Whether it's working with your accountant for accurate tax projections or understanding how to plan for the future, this episode covers cash flow management and strategic planning. Plus, we'll share valuable tools and resources to help you stay on track and introduce a great accounting partner to support your growth. Don't miss this comprehensive guide to finishing the year strong and preparing for success in the next! 

This show welcomes Steve Linder, owner of Strategic Brain and one of the world's leading experts in NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) and neuro strategies. Whether you have never heard of NLP or if you have ever wondered what all the buzz around NLP is about, this episode is for you! We'll break down what NLP really is, why it's one of the most powerful tools for understanding why people do what they do, and how it can transform communication, relationships, and personal growth. Steve will share why NLP is essential for making change easier for yourself and others and how it can be applied to your life and business to create a stronger team and more effective leadership. We're proud to have Steve join us to discuss how mastering this tool can lead to a more prosperous, fulfilled life and better business outcomes. You won't want to miss this incredible conversation!

Are you afraid of ChatGPT—or just unsure what it really is? If you're a small business owner and not using this powerful tool, you're missing out on opportunities to save time, reduce costs, and grow your business. In this episode, we dive into what ChatGPT is and explore real-life examples of how business owners are using it to streamline processes, enhance marketing, and tackle everyday tasks. From creating detailed spreadsheets to generating marketing messages that land with your ideal client, we'll show you how AI can transform your business operations. You'll also learn about the common pitfalls of AI and why keeping the human element in your marketing, messaging, and leadership is critical for success. Whether you're just dipping your toes in the water or ready to dive in, this episode will inspire you to leverage ChatGPT to its full potential. Tune in for actionable insights, practical examples, and the tools you need to harness AI for your business—because small business success is all about working smarter, not harder.

In this show we're taking your business growth to a new level—literally! Success in life and business always leaves clues, and in this episode, we're learning from an example that's truly out of this world. After a recent visit to the German Aerospace Center, we'll dive into what you can learn about systematizing your business, training your team, developing leaders, and streamlining operations—straight from the International Space Station. Discover how astronauts communicate between Earth and space, from training facilities to command posts, and how their seamless teamwork can inspire better systems and processes for your business. Prepare for an exciting and fun exploration of leadership, communication, and team dynamics that you can bring back to your business. Buckle up, rockstars, because this week's show is going intergalactic!

In this show, we're addressing two of the biggest challenges business owners face: growing cash flow and developing leaders within their teams. In this episode, you'll get practical strategies and insights to immediately apply to increase your sales, profits, and cash flow. But a thriving business isn't just about the numbers—it's about growing your people, too. We'll walk you through cultivating strong leaders and building a high-performing team, helping you break through the barriers that often leave business owners feeling stuck. Success leaves clues, and we're here to help you find them to grow your cash flow and leadership. Let's rock and roll, rockstars—this is one show you won't want to miss! 

In this show, we're simplifying the path to growth with six key areas to focus on that will help your business soar. Think of your business as an airplane—each part must work together for you to fly higher and farther. We'll guide you through how to streamline your time, energy, and passion into building the ultimate business that doesn't just get off the ground but soars. Learn how to become the pilot of your business, navigate with confidence and purpose, and discover the next steps to take your business to new heights. Don't miss this opportunity to transform how you think about growth and become the ultimate business owner!

This week on EWH University for Small Business show, we continue our conversation on the power of systems, artificial intelligence, and Chat GPT, focusing on how these tools can revolutionize your business. However, we're diving deeper to emphasize the crucial role of the human element in this process. In a world where technology can feel overwhelming and impersonal, we're here to remind you that these tools are meant to enhance, not replace, the invaluable human touch. This episode explores how to leverage AI and automation to free up time for what truly matters—building meaningful connections, mentoring, coaching, and spending quality time with those who matter most. We'll address concerns about AI replacing jobs and instead show how it can empower your team, grow your business, and allow you to lead with more efficiency and effectiveness. Tune in to learn how to use these tools to not only grow your business but also enrich your life and the lives of those around you.

Tired of feeling overwhelmed by your business? It's time to turn chaos into control! On today's show, we're diving deep into the art and science of systemizing your business. We'll break down the process into easy-to-follow steps, so even if you're starting from scratch, you'll be a systemization pro in no time. Forget about endless paperwork and wasted hours – we're talking about unlocking your business's full potential with the power of AI and automation. Get ready to say goodbye to burnout and hello to a streamlined, profitable operation. We're giving you the tools to build a business machine that runs smoothly and generates serious cash. Let's do this! 

Get ready to be inspired! This week on EWH University for Small Business, we're sitting down with the incredible Michelle Blechner, a Holocaust survivor whose story is nothing short of astonishing. From the depths of unimaginable darkness, she emerged as a beacon of hope, resilience, and leadership. Can you believe it? Michelle's journey is a masterclass in overcoming adversity and turning challenges into triumphs. You won't want to miss her insights on how to find your purpose and lead with passion, even when life throws you curveballs.

Small Biz Owners, Feeling Like a Chaotic Hamster on a Wheel? This episode is your systematic escape pod! We'll blast you to real-world examples of businesses that went from clunky to clutch! Learn ninja time management hacks to free up your team and craft a customer experience so smooth, they'll be singing your praises! We'll also reveal how to identify revenue leaks and streamline operations to watch your profits skyrocket! Strong systems are your key to a happy team, loyal fans, and a business ready to dominate! Don't miss out, tune in and transform your chaos into a thriving success story!

Drowning in data but starving for insights? This two-part series is your life raft! We'll be diving deep into the three magic reports that hold the key to unlocking the secrets of your business. So many entrepreneurs are rockstars at their craft, but when it comes to building a powerhouse business and leading a winning team, they hit a wall. These reports are your secret weapon! Learn how to: Manage your numbers like a pro (no more financial fear!) Supercharge your cash flow (say goodbye to cash flow worries!) Build a dream team that crushes it every day! Get ready to transform your business from good to GREAT! This series will equip you with the tools you need to grow, thrive, and dominate! Don't miss out! 

Drowning in data but starving for insights? This two-part series is your life raft! We'll be diving deep into the three magic reports that hold the key to unlocking the secrets of your business. So many entrepreneurs are rockstars at their craft, but when it comes to building a powerhouse business and leading a winning team, they hit a wall. These reports are your secret weapon! Learn how to: Manage your numbers like a pro (no more financial fear!) Supercharge your cash flow (say goodbye to cash flow worries!) Build a dream team that crushes it every day! Get ready to transform your business from good to GREAT! This series will equip you with the tools you need to grow, thrive, and dominate! Don't miss out!