PODCAST · business
Small Business War Stories
by Pablo Fuentes
Small businesses are the soul of America. This is where they tell their stories. Three years, 16,000 miles and counting...Small Business War Stories is a weekly show recorded in person with small business owners. We get the triumphs, struggles, and funny stories from our guests' everyday lives.Hosted by Pablo Fuentes, an entrepreneur and musician based in Austin, Texas.For more on the show, please visit https://smallbusinesswarstories.com/
Episodes
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Armadillo Guitar: Making a Living with Custom Brass and Steel Guitar Parts in Austin, Texas | Michael Slotboom
Michael Slotboom is doing things on his terms. He was on track to run the machine shop at the University of Texas, but he discovered he really wanted to make custom guitar parts. So he talked to his wife and they invested their savings into starting a specialized shop. Fifteen years later, his...
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Firefly Austin Studio: Making Music, Records, and Community in Austin, Texas | Erin O'Keefe
Erin O'Keefe is the kind of woman that sees a vision and makes it happen. She learned about what makes a great recording studio...and then built one! What amazing artists is she recording these days? How do you even build a studio? What is the future of the music business? All of this and more in...
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Big Henry's Vinyl and Gifts: Purveyors of Music, Records, and Culture in Austin, Texas | Grace Reyer
Grace Reyer and Big Henry's Vinyl and Gifts are at the epicenter of Austin music and culture. How did Grace and up with her dream job? What's the importance of self-care when managing a small business? All of this and more in today's episode. You can learn more about Big Henry's at...
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Visit Clarksdale, Mississippi: Promoting Visitors and Business in the Birthplace of the Blues | Bubba O'Keefe
Bubba O'Keefe has the spirit of the Mississippi Delta running through his veins. What stories does he have to tell about the Crossroads? Why is Clarksdale a great place to visit and/or start a business? And what are the kinds of people who succeed here? Bubba has seen it all...and he shares his...
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Auberge Hostel: Starting a Hostel on the Blues Highway in Clarksdale, Mississippi | Robert Weinstein
Clarksdale, Mississippi is home to the world-famous Crossroads...where Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his guitar chops. Why did Robert and Lucy decide to start a hostel in Clarksdale after succeeding with their property in New Orleans? What interesting stories live…
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Alligator Records Part 2 of 2: Building a Legendary Blues Record Label in Chicago, Illinois | Bruce Iglauer
And...this week we wrap up the amazing story of Alligator Records. There's even more music in this episode, courtesy of Bruce and Alligator. We also cover the most harrowing and dramatic story we have heard on the podcast to date, involving a train derailment, tragedy, and redemption.
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Alligator Records Part 1 of 2: Building a Legendary Blues Record Label in Chicago, Illinois | Bruce Iglauer
So many firsts in this episode! First time we have had music in the podcast. First time the conversation was so good and so long that we had to break it up into two episodes. How did Bruce get started as a record executive? Why did he give Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys a guitar? What does Bruce...
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Roadhouse Relics: Making Art with Neon in Austin, Texas | Todd Sanders
Todd Sanders always knew he wanted to be an artist. He get into making neon signs, and he developed a clientele of businesses who sought him for commercial signs. But Todd wanted more...he wanted to make fine art with neon. He was committed. So committed that at one point he slept in a trailer in…
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Timeless Texas Classics: Selling and Restoring Classic Cars and Hot Rods in La Grange, Texas | Lance Herrington
Lance Herrington found himself in a tough place when Houston, in his words, collapsed in the 1980s, and he was out of a job. He picked himself up by the bootstraps, and together with his wife Pam, they started a business restoring and selling Ford Thunderbirds out of his garage. Fast forward to...
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Lucktone Woodshop: From a Desk job to Making Custom Furniture in Austin, Texas | Britton Byfield
Britton was unsure he wanted to continue his job in digital media. And then came his biggest blessing in disguise: he was laid off. He started making cutting boards as a way to make money over the holidays, and that slowly evolved to him crafting beautiful custom wood furniture, cabinets, and…
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It's On Clothing: Spreading a Message of Positivity through Designing and Making Clothes in Wichita, Kansas | DaVon Walker
DaVon Walker wanted to see positive, sleek, motivational clothing designs, and no matter how hard he looked, he could not find what he had in mind. So he did what entrepreneurs do...he made the clothes himself! We meet DaVon two years into his journey. We talk about his inspiration, his designs,...
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The Commodore Hotel: Investing in History by Helping Revitalize a Community in Linden, Tennessee | Michael and Kathy Dumont
Michael and Kathy Dumont made a big bet by moving from New England to Tennessee. They bet that they could buy and revitalize a historic hotel in a small Tennessee town. What happened after The Commodore Hotel opened? How many businesses now surround it? What are the rewards and challenges of...
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Carter Vintage Guitars: Creating an Iconic Guitar Store in Nashville, Tennessee | Walter Carter
Walter Carter and his wife Christie spent decades working in the vintage guitar business...and they had a vision. It was a vision of a guitar store where kids and internationally-renowned musicians alike could feel comfortable playing and appreciating collectible stringed instruments. The…
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Dee's Country Cocktail Lounge: Creating Community Through Live Music and a Down-Home Vibe in Madison, Tennessee | Amy Dee and Daniel Walker
Amy Dee got to Nashville and could not find what she wanted: A no-frills spot with a vintage vibe to listen to great country and blues music. So she used all of her experience working in bars in New York City and all over the land to create Dee's Country Cocktail Lounge. She currently works with...
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A Podcaster Talks About the Business of Podcasting in Indianapolis, Indiana | Lindsey Hein
Lindsey Hein is the awesome host of "I'll Have Another with Lindsey Hein, a successful podcast about running. We talk about what it takes to make it as a podcaster, but her lessons are applicable to all creators, small businesses, and fans of good stories in general.
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Sitting Down with Coach: Learning From a Small Business Expert in Plymouth, Indiana | David Miller
David Miller has decades of experience coaching small businesses, and he has seen a LOT. Today's episode is like sitting down with Coach...you will get decades of experience in under an hour....and you'll want to have a notepad! How do you make something the market wants? What exactly is luck?…
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Hopping Gnome Brewing: Brewing Sour (and other) Beers, Promoting Local, and Creating Community in Wichita, Kansas | Stacy Ward Lattin
What, exactly, is an HBIC? I didn't know until I met Stacy Ward Lattin, THE HBIC at Hopping Gnome. What are Stacy and her husband doing right in the increasingly exciting Wichita scene? What is Stacy's podcast about, and what else is she doing to inspire women entrepreneurs? All of this and more…
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The Bluebird Cafe: Crafting Community Through Songwriting in Nashville, Tennessee | Erika Nichols
How did a small cafe in a strip mall in Nashville become a mecca for songwriters? What happened that changed the fortunes of the Bluebird from barely surviving to thriving? (hint: it was a major TV show). Which major celebrities let their hair down and come hang out and trade songs here? All of...
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Delmark Records: Carrying on the Legacy of a Legendary Blues and Jazz Label in Chicago, Illinois | Julia Miller
Julia Miller is a badass woman. Together with her partner Elbio, Julia is carrying forward the legacy of Delmark Records, an iconic Chicago label. What are the challenges of being a record label in the 21st century? What are Julia's plans to build upon the success of Delmark? All of this and more...
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Fringe Sport: Barbells, Strength, and Growing Through Self-Awareness in Austin, Texas | Peter Keller
What inspired Peter to start a fitness equipment business? What are the books that Peter reads and the actions that Peter takes to help him discover his own blind spots? How did Peter overcome a painful change in his business involving a family member? All of this and more in today's show.
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Brian Phillips Art: Channeling the Soul of Texas and Making Art From Discarded Materials in Austin, Texas | Brian Phillips
What was Brian's journey to become a successful artist? How did he end up selling his pieces at Willie Nelson's ranch? How does Brian make sure he has something to offer to people with any level of budget? All of this and more in today's episode!
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Stone's Throw Pizza: Good Food, Community, Self-Care, and Mental Health in the Restaurant Industry in Fairfax, Vermont | Silas Pollitt
What makes Silas Pollitt want to uproot everything and move every few years? What are the differences between working at high-end restaurants and starting your own pizza restaurant in a town of 5,000 people in Northern Vermont? What is it about the restaurant industry that attracts "misfits,...
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Chicago Music Exchange: Running a Successful Musical Instrument Store for Rock Stars and Everyday People in Chicago, Illinois | Shelby Pollard and Karl Neurater
Chicago Music Exchange has become an institution and a destination for guitar fans visiting The Windy City. How did CME get here? How is the store surviving and thriving in an era where more and more people are buying instruments online? What happens when an expensive guitar breaks? Who are the...
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Blues Heaven Foundation: Keeping the Legacy of Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Etta James, and Chess Records Alive in Chicago, Illinois | Janine Judge and Jacqueline Dixon
Wow! We recorded an episode in the same room where Etta James recorded At Last...a new high for the show! What is Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven Foundation? Why did the Rolling Stones record their iconic record 12 x 5 in this room? What kind of ghosts are in the building that housed Chess Records?…
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Andrea's Eats: Connecting Food and Soul Through a Food Truck in Cedar Park, Texas | Andrea Morris
I finally got to interview a food truck owner! And what a show it was...so much gold in this one. Why leave your well-paying job to start a food truck? What makes is worthwhile? What are pitfalls to watch for? This and more in today's episode.
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Wide Sky Guitars: From Touring Musician and Carpenter to Building Guitars with a Soul in Taos, New Mexico | Patch Rubin
Why was cutting part of his finger off a positive turning point for Patch Rubin? Why do Thom Yorke of Radiohead, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day and Gary Clark, Jr. love Wide Sky Guitars? This episode follows Patch's path to becoming a guitar maker....and we also touch upon the psychology of...
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Atomic Legion: Helping Everyday People with Emergency Response, Firearms, and General Survival and Preparedness Training in Austin, Texas | Justin Hurzeler
Have you ever wondered what you would do if you or your loved ones were harmed and needed your help? Would you be an asset or a liability? Justin Hurzeler and his partners started Atomic Legion to help regular people answer: "asset." When he is not going on SWAT calls or riding an ambulance as a...
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GoodWood NOLA: Growing a Custom Furniture Design and Fabrication Shop in New Orleans, Louisiana | Michael Dalle Molle and Jordan Gurren
We are excited to have Mike and Jordan back on the show! Two years ago, we sat down with the founders of GoodWood NOLA to talk about their growing shop and the way they are impacting the custom furniture design and fabrication space. What happened with their business in those two years? Why are...
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Grande Krewe Wine Store: Building Community Through Music, Wine, and Spirits in New Orleans, Louisiana | Jane Cooper and Bob Heaps
Jane and Bob went through a lot to open their high-end wine and spirits shop just steps from Frenchmen St. in New Orleans. What happened that almost derailed their opening? What amazing musicians have played the stories Steinway piano in their home? All of this and more in today's episode.
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RevuKangaroo: Growing Your Business Using the Power of Reputation and Reviews in Phoenix, Arizona | Josh Kelly
Josh used his marketing chops to grow his family's HVAC business into a multi-million dollar operation. How did he do it? How did he use reviews to power his growth? Josh teaches you all of his secrets and shares his stories from the front line of small business marketing in today's episode.
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Building Community Through Music and Real Estate in Austin, Texas | Nic and Diane Atwood
Nic and Diane Atwood are serious about real estate in Austin. They work closely with their clients and they help people find special opportunities and off-market properties. They are also awesome people, and connect the community through a weekly open mic they host in South Austin. Which major...
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Square Amps: Making Guitar Amplifiers out of Old Radios in Austin, Texas | Matt Richards
Matt Richards takes old wooden radios from the early 20th century and turns them into guitar amplifiers. We sat down with Matt at a special time in his journey....he is making the leap to Square Amps being his full-time pursuit. What is it like to source old radios? How does an introvert look at...
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SouthPop: Music, Art, and the History of Popular Culture in Austin, Texas | Leea Mechling
SouthPop is an Austin institution! The South Austin Museum of Popular Culture is a funky, colorful, and amazing non-profit. Leea Mechling and her team serve as keepers of the torch for the history of popular culture in Austin, a city with a rich trove of stories, characters, songs, and art. What…
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Texas Custom Boots: Building Boots and Community in Austin, Texas | Noel Escobar
Noel Escobar is a craftsman and bootmaker in Austin, Texas. He was born into the trade in South Texas, and has established himself as a presence in Austin for decades. Why do celebrities and everyday people from all over the world visit Noel to have custom boots made by him? What does Noel do to...
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Getting Out of Our Own Way as Creators | Nick Boettcher
What a special episode! Colorado whiskey, great conversation, and an original song at the end. Th podcast itself was fantastic, and talked about dealing with the psychology of the blank page, getting out of our own way, and how to create (and complete) things/projects from scratch. Make sure you...
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Big Ear Pedals: From Making Guitar Pedals in a NYC Apartment to Growing a Music Business in Nashville | Grant Wilson and Karen Schierhorn
Grant and Karen are living the dream. And they also have their struggles, like all of us. In this episode, they share their story of how they became an in-demand guitar pedal company. From Grant's days as a touring drummer, to Karen's visual design skills, to the way they use social media and...
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Moontower Matcha: Starting a Beverage Company and Experimenting with Influencer Marketing | Brett Hickey
Brett and his brother just won't give up. When their original idea for a drink had to be shelved because of a prohibitive required volume, they came up with another concept and successfully launched Moontower Matcha. We talk about matcha tea, the ins and outs of starting a beverage company, how…
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Action Advertising Agency: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Small Business Facebook Advertising | Casey Carroll
Casey Carroll is really, really good at facebook ads. And it can be a complicated, overwhelming world. In this episode, we dissect how to figure out what is important for you to get started with Facebook ads for your small business. By the end of the episode, you will have a six-step guide that…
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MeasurementMarketing.io: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Digital Marketing for Small Businesses | Chris Mercer
Mercer is the man! You'll be really impressed by his story of constant reinvention and learning, but that's not all. Mercer will help you understand how to start demystifying online marketing, so you can start really making your marketing work for you. We had a fun talk, but more importantly, I...
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Two Hives Honey: Bees and The Business of Honey in Austin, Texas | Tara Dawn Chapman
Tara Dawn Chapman went from being a CIA agent to cold-emailing a bee farm. The email included her squat and deadlift numbers (beekeeping is hard work!). The rest, as they say, is history. Tara launched Two Hives Honey by putting hives in people's backyards. She then partnered with the hosts by...
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The Wizard Academy: Storytelling, Business, and Magic at The World's Most Unique Business School | Daniel Whittington
Today's episode is nothing short of magical. I sat down with Daniel Whittington, the new Chancellor of The Wizard Academy. We talk storytelling, business, and what it means to run a business school that tackles business from the right side of the brain. What is The Tower? Why are there statues of...
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Nomad: Making Art out of Old Objects and Light Bulbs and Traveling the Country to Sell at Art Shows | Mick Whitcomb
Mick Whitcomb takes old objects like typewriters and scales and makes funky awesome light fixtures out of them. His wife Paige makes beautiful tintype photography. Mick and Paige spend 300 days on the road with their dog, going to different art shows, setting up their booth, and making a living....
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Jeremiah's Photo Corner: Running an Analog Photography Store And Making Money As A Tintype Photographer in Santa Rosa, California | Jeremiah Flynn
Film cameras? Who shoots film cameras? It turns out an increasing number of people are becoming interested in film as an art medium and as a way to slow down an appreciate photography. Jeremiah Flynn talks about his store where he sells all kinds of film cameras and supplies, from the common to…
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Calton Cases: Making Beautiful and Near-Indestructible Guitar Cases in Austin, Texas | Robert Steel
What would happen to your guitar if it got run over by a truck? Nothing, as long as it was in Calton case. Robert Steel tells us exactly what happened and what the guitar and the case looked like after it was all said and done. Robert is awesome, and he tells a lot of stories, from rock and roll...
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Company of One: How to Create a Business That Fits Your Life and Resist the Temptation of Constant Growth | Paul Jarvis
Paul Jarvis just wrote a book called "Company of One" and sent me a copy. I read it cover to cover and found it really compelling, so we hosted him on the show. Paul talks about a different kind of business philosophy, where more is not always better. How do you build a Company of One to fit your...
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Karacotta Ceramics: How to Manifest Your Business Outcome and get to $100k Income in One Year in Austin, Texas | Kara Pendl
Kara is amazing. Do you want to learn how you can take your art and turn it into a business that makes $100k annually within one year? Kara has the blueprint! She is also writing a book about it, and we get a bit of a preview. Kara has a successful ceramics business in Austin, Texas, but this...
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Luck Reunion: Growing from a Party at Willie Nelson's Ranch to a New Kind of Music and Content Company in Luck, Texas | Matt Bizer and Ellee Fletcher
Did Bill Murray really climb through the window of Willie Nelson's chapel during Luck Reunion? This is the 100th episode of Small Business War Stories, and this is the perfect way to celebrate, with an episode recorded at Willie Nelson's ranch Matt Bizer, Ellee Fletcher (Willie's grandniece) and…
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Jester King Brewery: Making Farmhouse Ales in the Heart of the Hill Country near Austin, Texas | Jeffrey Stuffings
Jeffrey Stuffings left his job as an attorney to make farmhouse ales, a specialty form of beer in the Texas Hill Country right outside of Austin. He shared the formation story of his iconic brewery, and gave some amazing business tips and ideas, such as how to really unleash your mind with just a...
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The Ultimate Guide to Getting Your Business UNStuck | Barry Moltz
Barry Moltz has started three companies, written six books, and done innumerable articles and radio shows on small business. It's fair to say he has learned a thing or two about how to help small businesses! Today we discuss the main 5 reasons why businesses get stuck, and how to address each…
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Double Barrel Design: Merging Architecture and Design to Form a New Venture in Austin, Texas | Megan Willin and Chelsea Scharbach
Two badass designer women got together in Austin, Texas to create Double Barrel Design. Megan Willin and Chelsea Scharbach merged their skills to create a firm that does space design (think 3D and architectural interior design) with 2D graphic design. Their work is awesome...and so is their story!
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Small businesses are the soul of America. This is where they tell their stories. Three years, 16,000 miles and counting...Small Business War Stories is a weekly show recorded in person with small business owners. We get the triumphs, struggles, and funny stories from our guests' everyday lives.Hosted by Pablo Fuentes, an entrepreneur and musician based in Austin, Texas.For more on the show, please visit https://smallbusinesswarstories.com/
HOSTED BY
Pablo Fuentes
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Small Business War Stories have?
Small Business War Stories currently has 159 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Small Business War Stories about?
Small businesses are the soul of America. This is where they tell their stories. Three years, 16,000 miles and counting...Small Business War Stories is a weekly show recorded in person with small business owners. We get the triumphs, struggles, and funny stories from our guests' everyday...
How often does Small Business War Stories release new episodes?
Small Business War Stories publishes regularly with 159 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Small Business War Stories?
You can listen to Small Business War Stories on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Small Business War Stories?
Small Business War Stories is created and hosted by Pablo Fuentes.
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