The Small Business Safari

Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to build a business that lasts 20 years—and not hate it by the end?Summary: Lisa Tilt, founder of Full Tilt Consulting, joins us to break down what it actually takes to build a long-term business without burning out your people or yourself. From her early days in grassroots marketing and big-brand PR to launching her own firm after a toxic work environment, Lisa shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, culture, and communication that actually works.We get into why entrepreneurs have to live in the gray, how internal communication can make or break your company, and what really changes when you go from doing the work to leading a team. Lisa also dives into scaling with intention, building a referral-driven business, and why chasing an “exit” can be the wrong goal. If you’re trying to grow without losing your culture, this one hits.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS  • Why “more emails” is killing your internal communication • The shift from employee mindset to true leadership • How to make decisions when there is no clear answer • Building trust through simple, consistent video communication • Why most exit strategies are misunderstood (and overrated)🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://fulltiltconsulting.com • LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisatilt/ 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailIf your team can’t answer “what is a lead?” the same way, your CRM doesn’t stand a chance.Summary: We kick things off with real shop talk from the field, then get straight to the hidden issue wrecking most CRMs: unclear definitions. Dominic Carubba from SalesAndTechnology.com breaks down a simple, powerful framework—leads are raw inputs, opportunities are real revenue conversations, and cases are what happens after the sale.We dive into why vague language creates expensive chaos, why training alone won’t fix broken systems, and how switching CRMs can actually make things worse. Dominic shares how tightening stage criteria improves forecasting, accountability, and focus—so your pipeline finally works like a system instead of a guessing game.If you’re tired of reacting instead of scaling, this episode delivers clarity you can implement fast.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS  • Why most CRM problems are actually definition problems • Leads vs. opportunities vs. cases—clear and simple • How vague language creates chaos in your pipeline • Why training doesn’t fix broken systems • The real risk of switching CRMs • How stage clarity improves forecasting and focus🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://salesandtechnology.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dominiccarubba/🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.comSponsor: Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailWhat if your credit is the one thing quietly limiting how fast your business can grow?Summary: Gerri Detweiler, credit expert and education advocate at Nav, breaks down why credit is one of the most misunderstood—and most important—tools for small business owners. We get into the difference between personal and business credit, how lenders actually evaluate you, and why chasing quick fixes can backfire. Gerri shares practical strategies to build strong credit, manage cash flow during tough seasons, and avoid the traps that derail entrepreneurs. If you want to grow smarter, borrow better, and protect your business, this episode is a must-listen.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • Personal + business credit both impact your growth • Why business credit feels confusing and less transparent • There is no “one score”—lenders look at multiple factors • What lenders consider a solid starting score • Fix cash flow before chasing credit repair • Credit utilization and why paying early matters • How personal guarantees work (and fade over time) • Business credit cards as a starting tool—and risks to watch • Safer options when cash gets tight vs. risky fast financing • Free help from SBDCs and where to find them • AI-driven fraud and loan scams to avoid🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://nav.com/gerri • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerridetweiler/gerridetweiler.com🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailWhat if custom cabinets could be priced, designed, and built faster—without the usual headaches?Summary: Tino Go, founder of Hello Baru, joins the Safari to break down why the custom cabinet industry still runs on slow, outdated systems—and how his “virtual factory” model is changing the game. By tapping into underused CNC capacity, Hello Baru helps pros streamline pricing, design, and production with fewer handoffs and more transparency. We talk about the real-world chaos of sales, why homeowners still need skilled pros, and what it takes to build and scale a startup while resources are tight. If you’re in home services, design, or manufacturing, this episode is packed with practical insights on efficiency and growth. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS  • Sales chaos vs. showing up professionally • Why cabinet buying still feels outdated • The “virtual factory” explained • CNC capacity + local fabrication model • Continuous sizing with a smart configurator • Pricing based on materials, not complexity • Why pros still matter on imperfect homes • From desks to kitchens: early traction • Startup reality: funding + team motivation • Scaling through large customers and consistency🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://hellobaru.com • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinogo/ 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailTITLE: Death to Voicemail |Alfredo SalkeldWhat if every missed call in your business was a lost customer?Summary: Voicemail is where small business leads go to die. In this episode, we talk with Alfredo Salkeld, founder of UpFirst.AI, about how AI receptionists are changing the way small businesses capture calls, qualify leads, and respond instantly—without pretending to be human.Alfredo shares his journey from leaving the “corporate zoo” to building a tool designed specifically for entrepreneurs who can’t afford to miss opportunities after hours. We dig into how an AI receptionist can follow your intake script, filter spam, text you the exact information you need, and still stay transparent that it’s AI—not a fake person.We also talk about when AI works better than traditional answering services, when a human still wins, and why new businesses should answer every call themselves before automating anything.If you run a small business where calls equal revenue, this episode will change how you think about voicemail forever.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS• Why voicemail kills small business leads • What an AI receptionist actually does • Why over-empathetic AI annoys callers • “Be concise” settings that improve AI responses • Why third-party answering services fail on scripts • Collecting the right intake details instantly • Being transparent that the receptionist is AI • Customizing tone, accents, and multilingual voices • Noise cancellation and better call transcription • When businesses should not use AI🔗 Guest Links• Website: https://upfirst.ai • Company: Up First AI Receptionisthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/alfredosalkeld/🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari• Instagram: @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website: https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when an engineer and small business owner steps into public office—and decides to run for governor?Summary: Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger joins us to share how his background as an engineer and entrepreneur shaped his approach to leadership, public service, and running statewide systems that impact millions of people.We explore the parallels between running a business and running a state agency—from managing payroll stress and navigating recessions to building teams and maintaining public trust. Brad explains how early lessons in risk and cash flow influenced his leadership style and why mentorship and peer accountability were critical to building strong organizations.The conversation also dives into what the Secretary of State actually oversees beyond elections, including professional licensing and modernization efforts like Georgia’s paperless licensing system. Brad walks us through the 2020 recount process, ongoing election security improvements, and why transparency matters in maintaining confidence in the system.Finally, we discuss his decision to run for governor and the priorities shaping his platform, including affordability, job growth, public safety, and education.If you're a business owner, you'll recognize many of the same leadership challenges—just at a much bigger scale.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS  • How an early entrepreneurial leap taught Brad critical lessons about risk and cash flow • Surviving boom-and-bust cycles in construction and manufacturing • Why mentors and peer accountability help leaders make better decisions • What the Georgia Secretary of State actually manages beyond elections • How Georgia modernized professional licensing with a paperless system • Inside the 2020 recount and the push for stronger election security • Why Raffensperger believes business experience matters in government leadership🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://sos.ga.gov • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-raffensperger/🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailWhat if the biggest leadership mistake is talking too much instead of asking better questions?Summary: In this episode of The Small Business Safari, we sit down with Tyler Chisholm, marketing agency founder, podcaster, and author of Curious As Hell. Tyler shares how a simple habit—leading with curiosity—can transform leadership, sales conversations, and team performance.We challenge the reflex many leaders have to pitch, fix, and dominate the room. Instead, Tyler explains how creating space, asking thoughtful questions, and truly listening allows the right answers to surface. The result? Better decisions, stronger teams, and more meaningful customer relationships.Tyler also shares how podcasting sharpened his questioning skills and how those same skills translate directly into stronger sales calls, better coaching conversations, and healthier company cultures.From toilet paper debates that reveal culture truths to a near-disaster DIY project that proves grit matters, this conversation is packed with practical leadership insights and a lot of laughs along the way.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • A hilarious toilet paper debate that reveals deeper lessons about culture and perspective • Preparing for a sales call by treating the customer as the most important person in the room • Tyler’s journey from agency owner to podcaster to author of Curious As Hell • Why leaders lose effectiveness when they fill the room and jump to conclusions • How to coach teams through questions without giving up leadership or vision • “The meaning of your communication is the result that it gets” — a powerful leadership mirror • Creating psychological safety so questions don’t feel like traps • Practical phrasing and pauses that help curiosity become a repeatable habit • Customer service pet peeves and the problem with lazy “exceed expectations” claims • A DIY project gone wrong that proves persistence still matters in business🔗 Guest Links• Website: https://tylerchisholm.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholm/ • Book: Curious As Hell🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailTITLE: No You Cannot Deduct Your Cat | Melissa KennebrewWhat if the problem isn’t your taxes—but the system you’re using to manage money?Summary: Melissa Kennebrew of MBK Financials joins the Safari to break down why so many small business owners feel blindsided at tax time—and how to fix it before the next surprise bill hits.Melissa works with high-net-worth clients and growing small businesses that are tired of scrambling at year-end and guessing their way through deductions, bookkeeping, and quarterly estimates. In this episode, we unpack the difference between tax avoidance (legal) and tax evasion (illegal), why clean records matter more than last-minute “write-off shopping,” and the common mistakes both new and established businesses make.We also dive into the Profit First system, a simple cash flow framework that helps owners manage money the way they actually think—by looking at bank balances. Melissa explains how separating revenue into operating, owner pay, tax, and profit accounts can eliminate stress, build predictability, and help owners finally reward themselves for the business they’re building.Along the way we tackle common questions around deductions, home office fears, startup losses, and the simple habits that keep businesses proactive instead of reactive.If you want better cash flow, smarter tax planning, and fewer financial surprises, this episode is packed with practical tips you can use immediately.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • The difference between tax avoidance and tax evasion—and why intent matters • Why successful businesses still get surprised by tax bills • The biggest bookkeeping mistakes new businesses make • How the Profit First system simplifies cash flow management • Why “write-off shopping” at year end is usually the wrong strategy • Clearing up myths about home office deductions and startup losses🔗 Guest Links• Website: https://mbkfinancials.com • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissakennebrew/ • Instagram: MBK Financialsbiascorp.com/ (BIAS Corp)🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailWhy do so many small business owners hit a revenue ceiling—even when the opportunities keep growing?Summary: In this episode of The Small Business Safari, we sit down with Dr. Joseph Drolshagen to unpack the hidden forces that limit business growth. Many entrepreneurs believe the next level requires more hustle, more hours, or more pressure—but often the real constraint is the belief system running quietly in the background.Dr. Joseph explains why revenue ceilings show up at every stage of growth and how mindset, identity, and daily habits shape the results business owners experience. We challenge the “hustle badge of honor” mentality and explore a smarter path built on perception, profit, and sustainable habits.From understanding the difference between your vanity line and sanity line, to recognizing how subconscious programming influences decisions and procrastination, this conversation gives entrepreneurs a practical framework for breaking through their next growth barrier.If you’ve ever felt stuck at a certain level in your business, this episode will help you rethink what’s really holding you back—and how to move forward with clarity.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • Why adopting the mindset “life happens for me, not to me” changes how entrepreneurs handle setbacks • The revenue ceiling effect and why every new growth stage creates a new internal limit • Understanding the difference between your vanity line (revenue) and sanity line (profit and margin) • Why fear of success can actually be more common than fear of failure • How subconscious programming drives action, hesitation, and procrastination • The roots of imposter syndrome in early life experiences from school, work, and home • Using dynamic vision and emotional alignment to shift identity and decision making • Building accelerating habit systems based on what you will actually do consistently • Learning from mistakes through due diligence and iteration instead of quitting🔗 Guest Links• Website: https://coachwithjoey.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ifgtcoach (Schedule a 15-minute introduction meeting and receive a free copy of Dr. Joey’s book.)🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia • Website | https://chrislalomia.com • Website | www.thetrustedtoolbox.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailWhat does it take to launch a brand-new community bank in today’s world of mega-banks and endless bureaucracy?SummaryIn this episode of The Small Business Safari, we sit down with Steve Beecham and Bob Koncerak, the founders behind First City Bank of Georgia, to unpack what it really takes to launch a new community bank in Alpharetta.With the number of banks in the U.S. shrinking from more than 10,000 to roughly 4,300, many small businesses have lost access to local decision-makers who understand their needs. Steve and Bob explain why that service gap creates an opportunity for relationship-driven community banks to step back in.We explore how Alpharetta’s evolution from bedroom community to thriving tech and business hub made it the perfect location, and how modern technology allows smaller banks to match the digital features of the big institutions while delivering faster decisions and real relationships.They also share the unique de novo-plus-merger strategy they’re using to launch the bank faster and with less cost—opening the doors with live deposits, loans, and experienced lenders already in place.For entrepreneurs, the conversation highlights the difference between chasing the lowest rate and building a banking relationship that actually helps you grow.If you’re a founder, investor, or business owner frustrated with big-bank bureaucracy, this episode explains why community banking may be making a comeback.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS• Why the U.S. banking system shrank from 10,000 to 4,300 banks and the service gap it created • How Alpharetta became one of the Southeast’s fastest-growing tech hubs • Why small banks can now match big-bank technology and digital tools • The de novo + merger strategy that saves time and millions in startup costs • How local lending decisions help entrepreneurs move faster • Why value and advice matter more than just interest rates for growing companies • Raising capital from accredited investors and aligning incentives with founder capital • Recruiting veteran lenders and building an operator-led advisory board • Financial education plans aimed at younger customers and families • Hard lessons about projections, conviction, and risk when starting a bank🔗 Guest Links• Website: https://firstcitybankga.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-beecham-1958733https://www.linkedin.com/in/rdkoncerakhometownmortgage.net (Company)stevebeecham.com (Company)linktr.ee/stevebeecham (Company)🌍 Follow The Small Business SafariInstagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia Website | https://chrislalomia.comWebsite |  thetrustedtoolbox.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailIf your marketing makes promises your operations can’t keep, growth will always stall.Summary: Chelsey Reynolds joins us to break down how real growth happens when marketing, sales, and customer success operate as one aligned revenue engine—not three disconnected departments.We unpack what goes wrong when messaging doesn’t match delivery, why internal launches fail before they ever reach customers, and how unclear positioning quietly erodes trust. Chelsey shares straight-talk strategies for choosing a clear market position and sticking to it, designing simple systems that reinforce the right behaviors, and building comp plans that reward alignment—not chaos.We also tackle leadership. Fear-based leadership may produce short-term compliance, but it crushes initiative and long-term trust. Chelsey explains how strong leaders own mistakes, apologize when necessary, and rebuild credibility—plus how middle managers can absorb executive pressure without passing stress downstream.Finally, we explore what changes as companies scale from 1–10, 10–50, and 50–100 employees—and how systems, culture, and accountability must evolve at every stage.If you want your brand promise to match your customer experience—and your growth to feel sustainable instead of fragile—this episode is for you.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • Building one unified revenue engine across marketing, sales, and delivery • Fixing misaligned messaging before it costs you credibility • Why fear leadership creates compliance but kills ownership • How to rebuild trust after mistakes • Systems and compensation plans that drive aligned growth • Scaling lessons from 1–10, 10–50, and 50–100 employees • Insights from The Growth Department podcast🔗 Guest Links• Growth Department Podcastlinkedin.com/in/chelsey-reynolds-growth-expertlinktr.ee/chelseyreynolds (Company)https://www.growthdepartment.com/podcast🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | Chris Lalomia • Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan Mail What if your team could see exactly what your customer sees—without an app—and turn that video into a tight estimate, clean documentation, and a five-star review?Summary: James Hatfield, blue-collar founder and former KKR-backed CEO, joins us to unpack how LiveSwitch is transforming home services with a dead-simple, no-app live video platform powered by practical AI.What started with a knock from the D.C. Chief of Police to reinvent 911 video evolved into a powerful tool for contractors: a simple SMS link that opens live video on any device. For home service businesses, that means remote pre-estimates that filter tire-kickers from ready buyers, real-time on-screen guidance that eliminates guesswork, and recorded sessions that shut down “he said, she said” disputes.James walks through how a 30-second frozen-pipe clip can turn into a full scope of work—complete with CRM notes, timelines, materials lists, translations, and documentation—all powered by AI. Think of it as the Nextel of cameras with a built-in copilot. The result? Fewer wasted truck rolls, faster close rates, better prepared techs, and stronger margins.We also dive into marketing flywheels and operational upgrades: • QR codes that drive repeat business straight to your team • Video reviews that boost your Google Business Profile • Open integrations with ServiceTitan, Jobber, and more • Pricing designed to feel like “a tank of gas,” not a tech gambleBeyond tech, James shares lessons from building, exiting, and finding purpose again—plus the grit required to make payroll, protect culture, and keep people working.If you run a handyman, plumbing, electrical, restoration, or moving company, this episode is a blueprint for using simple tools to win faster and serve better in a Prime-speed world.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • The 911 innovation story that sparked LiveSwitch • How remote pre-estimates increase close rates and eliminate tire-kickers • Turning 30 seconds of video into scopes, CRM notes, and materials lists • Stopping disputes with recorded documentation • Using video reviews to dominate local SEO • Why speed beats complexity in today’s customer experience🔗 Guest Links• Website: LiveSwitch https://www.liveswitch.com/ • LinkedIn: James Hatfield https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-hatfield/🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.comIf this episode sparked an idea for your business, hit subscribe, leave a review, and tell us the one workflow you’d upgrade first.Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a longtime radio producer steps out from behind the mic and into the sales arena? Jerry Payne is betting his next chapter on mentorship, licensing, and disciplined execution.Summary:We put longtime producer Jerry Payne in the hot seat as he leaves radio to build a career in insurance, starting with mentorship and aiming for ownership. Together we stress-test his transition plan—examining runway, early-stage income realities, and how his broadcast communication strengths translate into a powerful sales advantage.Jerry shares why a mid-career pivot can be the safer long-term bet, how mentorship and licensing function like an apprenticeship, and why building a strong sales engine now matters more than writing a perfect business plan later. We also break down networking strategies for insurance and financial services, handling rejection with an abundance mindset, and moving from P&C conversations into retirement income planning.If you’re considering a career shift, entering sales, or building toward business ownership, this episode offers a practical roadmap for turning experience into opportunity—and momentum into ownership.GOLD NUGGETS • Pivoting mid-career: risk vs long-term security• Mentorship and licensing as a structured apprenticeship• Building a sales plan before a full business plan• Creating a personal board of advisors for accountability• Scaling realities: costs, income dips, and long-term upsideClosing Thought:“Get out there, get going, and make it happen. Next week, better week. Next month, better month. Next year, better year.”Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan Mail What if your growth problem isn’t your marketing—or your product—but the offer itself?Summary:John “JD” Dwyer, founder of The Institute of Wow, joins us to reveal how challenger brands out perform bigger competitors by engineering irresistible offers that drive immediate action. We break down how incentive-based marketing, high perceived-value bonuses, and creative positioning can transform conversion rates without cutting prices.JD shares the story of a bank that replaced a standard promotional rate with a vacation incentive—then amplified results with a celebrity campaign that dramatically increased response. From coffee shops doubling revenue with simple behavioral nudges to dental practices generating thousands of targeted leads through creative contests, the lesson is clear: when the offer aligns with customer desire, price becomes far less important.We also explore practical tactics for small businesses, including designing incentives that cost little but feel premium, coaching sales teams using recorded calls and AI insights, and leveraging Facebook as a responsive lead-generation engine when the economics make sense. This episode delivers a playbook for business owners ready to move beyond price competition and create a “wow factor” that drives both immediate sales and long-term loyalty.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • Why the offer—not the product—often determines conversion• Creating high perceived-value incentives that cost less than discounts• Behavioral nudges that dramatically increase repeat purchases• Using contests and promotions to generate targeted leads fast• Coaching sales teams with recorded calls and AI performance analysis🔗 Guest Links• Website: https://theinstituteofwow.com• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/instituteofwow/jdpodcastguest.com🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast• LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/• Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you stop kicking doors and start building a business that actually moves upward?Summary: In this episode of The Small Business Safari, Chris and Alan push past a door-kicking moment to talk about what really drives sustainable growth: selling value, protecting margin, and executing a strategic plan that actually ships. We draw clear lines between handyman work and remodeling, break down why they are completely different operating models, and unpack the pricing mistakes that quietly kill profit.We dig into real-world lessons like the $250 microwave trap, why leading with discounts is dangerous, and how reviews become proof of promise—not just social noise. Against a backdrop of market uncertainty and changing homeowner math, we outline three focused initiatives for growth: smarter CRM and AI use, relentless gross profit focus, and deposits that protect cash flow.Most importantly, we rally the team around one word—Ascend—and show how alignment, execution, and close rate become the true levers for growth.💡 GOLD NUGGETS Channeling passion into systems, coaching, and executionThe small-ticket trap and the $250 microwave lessonWhy handyman work and remodeling require different business modelsPricing frameworks and good-better-best rangesValue over price—and the danger of leading with discountsReviews as proof of promise and processMarket uncertainty, homeowner math, and demand driversThree initiatives: CRM & AI, gross profit focus, depositsBuilding team buy-in with tactical execution and one-word alignmentWhy close rate is the real growth lever🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.comFinal Thought: Don’t forget to go out there and tell your friends about this thing. Keep sharing the podcast—we’re just getting started.Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailWhat does it take to go from the factory floor to the boardroom—and still keep your values intact? In this episode, we trade war stories with Jim Tracy, tracing his journey from welder to Wireless Hall of Fame leader. Jim shares how he built a blue-collar telecommunications business alongside his son, exited twice, and never lost sight of culture, safety, and people along the way.We dig into what caring leadership really looks like when payroll is tight, how authentic recognition and jobsite visits strengthen teams, and why designing your business to be sellable years in advance changes every decision you make. Jim also breaks down private equity fit, post-merge integration, and how calm, disciplined leaders win in uncertain markets.If you’re building a business in the trades—or any people-driven operation—this conversation is packed with hard-learned lessons you can actually use.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • Building a blue-collar telecommunications business with family • Running on fear and discipline during lean payroll weeks • Choosing people over money as a leadership operating system • Authentic recognition and field visits that strengthen culture • Making safety engaging, rewarding, and real on jobsites • Designing a business to be sellable long before an exit • What private equity really looks for beyond the numbers • Navigating cultural fit and post-merge integration • Embracing uncertainty with scenario planning and calm execution • Lessons from Legacy Radio to Grampian podcast and radical transparency • Customer service truths: under promise, overdeliver—every time🔗 Guest Links• Website: www.thegrampion.comEmail: [email protected] (Blogthejimtracy.com (Personal)linktr.ee/grampion (Other) • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-tracy-istowerjim/ • Podcast: Legacy Radio to The Grampian🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.comIf this resonated, follow the show, share it with a founder who needs a nudge, and leave a quick review so more builders can find us. Your support helps more small business owners turn uncertainty into an advantage.📩 Connect: Send me an email: [email protected] to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a business stops guessing on marketing and starts treating growth like a system? One gymnastics gym went from stalled growth to multi-million-dollar revenue—and the playbook applies to any small business. Andy Seeley tells us how. Summary: In this episode, Andy Seeley breaks down how to choose a marketing agency that won’t experiment on your budget, why niching creates faster and more predictable results, and how AI can turn raw inquiries into booked appointments automatically. Using a real gymnastics gym case study, we show how operations, pricing, enrollment strategy, and marketing must align to unlock sustainable growth.You’ll hear how smart micro-testing on Meta finds the right parents, why multi-channel intake matters more than ever, and how AI tools can qualify, converse, and schedule without adding staff. We also dive into retention strategy—specifically the powerful shift from opt-in to opt-out enrollment—and how raising prices actually works when demand and value are built intentionally.This is a tactical episode for owners who want real growth—not agency hype.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • How to interview agencies for real niche experience and cultural fit • Red flags that signal an agency is learning on your dime • Why reading how reviews are written matters more than star ratings • Using micro-tests on Meta ads to dial in the right audience fast • Building multi-channel intake around how customers actually prefer to respond • How AI can qualify leads, hold conversations, and book appointments • Switching from opt-in to opt-out enrollment to boost retention • Raising prices by increasing perceived value and demand • Treating your agency like an extension of your internal team🔗 Guest / Resource Links• Creatively Disruptive – https://creativelydisruptive.com • High Level Thinkers – https://highlevelthinkers.com • Ashworth Strategy – https://ashworthstrategy.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/andyseeley/“Reach out—we’ll help you plan your growth.”🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailWhat does it really take to turn a scrappy New York storefront into a globally recognized luxury brand—and then exit it on your terms? Eric Malka breaks it all down.Summary Eric Malka shares the real story behind building a premium grooming brand from the ground up—starting with a $12,000 shop in New York and evolving through distributor, retailer, service provider, and manufacturer. We unpack the pivotal press moment that drove a 20x sales spike, how disciplined brand and margin decisions enabled luxury positioning, and what it takes to plan and negotiate a strategic exit—especially during crisis moments.Along the way, Eric explains how customer pain points shaped natural product formulas, why not every “great” location works, and how luxury distribution partnerships validated the brand while protecting margins. We also explore omnichannel growth in a privacy-first ad world and what purpose looks like after a successful exit—from fatherhood and health to mentoring the next generation of founders.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • Moving from distributor → retailer → services → manufacturer • Using PR strategically to create demand and brand credibility • Building products directly from customer pain points • Designing a premium in-store experience that converts to retail sales • Lessons learned from a failed Wall Street location • Leveraging Neiman Marcus for luxury validation and distribution • Defining luxury vs. mass—and protecting margins • Adopting omnichannel while adapting to privacy-driven ad changes • Planning for a revenue-based brand exit and negotiating under pressure • Redefining purpose after the sale through health, family, and mentorshipAuthor of the book: On The Razor's Edge🔗 Guest Links• Website: https://strategicbrandinvestments.com • Personal Site: https://ericmalka.com • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-malka-9071529/ • Instagram: @ericmalka🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | Chris Lalomia • Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan Mail🎧 The Small Business SafariTitle: From Service to Skilled Trades:  Creating Real Jobs for Veterans Too many veterans leave the military with discipline and grit—but no clear civilian pathway. Marty Strong is fixing that with real skills, real employers, and paid apprenticeships.Summary: We sit down with Marty Strong, founder of Warriors Haven USA, to break down a practical, no-fluff pathway that helps veterans find both purpose and pay through the skilled trades. Marty explains why blue-collar work isn’t a fallback—it’s a solution to a massive talent gap—and why combat arms veterans are uniquely wired to succeed in this space.We unpack the “transition shock” many vets experience, the cultural myths that keep people away from trades, and how Warriors Haven USA’s three-level training model moves participants from exposure, to skill-building, to paid apprenticeships with employer partners who are ready to hire.Marty also shares the hard truths around funding, the vision behind a new 9,000-square-foot training center, and why real momentum comes from mentors, networking, and matching skills to actual market demand. This episode is a must-listen for veterans, employers, and business owners who believe meaningful work should lead to real opportunity.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • Why skilled trades solve a real and growing talent shortage • Who Warriors Haven USA serves—and why this model fits veterans • The three-level pipeline from exposure to paid apprenticeship • Employer-ready skills in HVAC, metalwork, woodworking, and culinary • The Business Academy: sales, hiring, and scaling beyond the tools • Funding realities and building a 9,000 sq ft training facility • How purpose returns when skills align with real demand • Why networking and mentors beat cold calls every time🔗 Guest Links• Website: https://warriorshavenusa.com• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marty-strong-9676bb13/martystrong.com 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan Mail🎧 The Small Business Safari PodcastTitle: From Bank Teller to CEO:  Building Teams That Thrive What if clarity—not hustle—was the real growth lever in your business?Summary: We unpack how clarity, boundaries, and respect transform a stressful, travel-heavy audit model into a high-retention, highly profitable practice—and how those same principles help founders escape the default problem solver trap. Courtney shares how she redesigned operations to protect margin, filter the right clients, and build leaders who truly own outcomes.This conversation is a masterclass in making growth feel lighter. You’ll learn how to turn client pain points into process advantages, say no to misfit work without guilt, and create systems that preserve culture while reducing founder dependency. From financial dashboards to scope control, Courtney breaks down the practical tools that allow founders to lead with intention instead of constant reaction.If you’re tired of being the bottleneck and ready to scale with clarity, this episode delivers real-world frameworks you can apply immediately.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS  • Designing a vision that creates real boundaries • Turning client pain points into operational advantages • Protecting margin by saying no to misaligned work • Hiring and leading by strengths—not sameness • Building leaders who own outcomes, not just tasks • Using financial dashboards for visibility and control • Preventing scope creep with better project management • Creating a client experience that earns renewals • Letting go of control without losing culture • Practical intake, scope, and timing filters that work🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://forgeahead.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyderonde/ • Free Complexity Assessment: https://assessments.forgeahead.com🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailStop waiting to “feel ready.” Here’s the hard truth: confidence comes last. If layoffs, ageism, or career ghosting have knocked you sideways, this conversation with career transition coach John Tarnoff offers a practical way forward—without applying to 100 job postings.John breaks down why the old career playbook—resumes, cover letters, and cold applications—fails experienced professionals, and how to replace it with mission-led positioning, warm introductions, and a narrowly defined “superpower” that solves one urgent problem for the right buyer.We dig into how to turn your LinkedIn About section into a clear mission and promise, rewrite headlines around outcomes (not titles), and shift from task execution to executive-level problem solving. John also shares his own path through eighteen jobs and seven firings, reframing setbacks as data—and momentum.This episode connects career transition, leadership, and entrepreneurship with a consultant mindset: diagnose pain, map a path to results, communicate relentlessly, and finish the last five percent. Whether you’re W-2 or 1099, the goal is the same—become the trusted thought partner leaders rely on.If you feel stuck, consider this your nudge: move while uncomfortable, define the promise you’re making, choose the niche you can own, and reach out to five people who can open the right doors this month.💡 GOLD NUGGETS • Confidence is the outcome of action—not the starting point • Why ageism is hitting earlier and how referrals bypass it • Mission-led career design from the inside out • Turning LinkedIn profiles into stories and value promises • Writing headlines around outcomes instead of roles • The baseball mindset for outreach (.300 is elite) • Selling strategy to executives, not tasks • Reframing firings and setbacks as usable data • Thinking like a consultant in leadership and entrepreneurship🔗 Guest Links• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johntarnoff/ • Programs & Coaching: johntarnoff.com (Company)johntarnoff.com/blog (Blog)midcareerlab.com (Company)🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.com🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafariThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when an investor swears off banks, personal guarantees, and risky one-and-done deals? Chris Prefontaine rebuilt from the 2008 crash by creating a bank-free model that produces cash now, cash monthly, and cash at exit.Summary:Chris Prefontaine, founder of Smart Real Estate Coach, shares how losing everything in 2008 forced him to rewrite the rules of real estate. He now buys through owner financing and subject-to deals, prioritizes principal-only terms, and structures every transaction around his trademark “three paydays.” We unpack his lead-gen engines, VA-driven metrics, airtight legal processes, and why his coaching model includes revenue-share and real in-the-trenches support. This episode is packed with practical takeaways on scaling, staying safe legally, and building a legacy business with grit, patience, and clear expectations.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • Setting new rules after losing everything in 2008 • Buying without banks: owner financing & subject-to explained • Why principal-only terms matter more than price • The three paydays and how each creates predictable income • Lead gen from expired, FSBO, FRBO, and free-and-clear lists • How VAs drive outreach, metrics, and conversion consistency • Legal must-haves and choosing the right attorneys • Coaching that includes revenue-share and deal support • Building a family-run team and long-term legacy • Who succeeds: grit, patience, and realistic timelines🔗 Guest Links• Free Books: https://wickedsmartbooks.com/safari • Smart Real Estate Coach: https://smartrealestatecoach.com • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisprefontaine/🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when you lose everything in 2008—and still choose to pay everyone back? Rob Stephenson rebuilt not just a business, but a reputation that now wins national NARI COTY awards.Summary:Rob Stephenson, founder of Stephenson Construction, shares how leaving engineering, moonlighting in rental units, and surviving the 2008 collapse shaped his disciplined, integrity-first approach to design-build. We unpack his early pivots from art and engineering, learning the trades out of necessity, brand lessons from Target, and how a move to Atlanta unlocked new opportunity. Rob breaks down practical pricing, cash flow, licensing, and client selection—plus a DIY cautionary tale involving a wet metal roof, no tie-off, and a painful lesson learned.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • How growing up in Philadelphia sparked his love for home projects • Art vs. engineering at Tuskegee — and the early career pivots that followed • Learning every trade through rental-unit trial by fire • Building the first spec home, licensing insights, and partnership lessons • The 2008 crash: overleverage, failure, and choosing integrity over shortcuts • Moving to Atlanta and how Target taught him branding discipline • Building a design-build team that wins national COTY awards • Story proof: why case studies beat sales pitches • Cash flow, pricing, and client fit — practical rules that keep you alive • Quickfire picks: E-Myth for Contractors, basements, and service pet peeves • DIY disaster: the wet metal roof and the importance of safety tie-offs🔗 Guest Links• Website: https://www.stephensonconstructionllc.com • NARI Directory: Search “Stephenson Construction” on NARI.orghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rsstephenson/🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when a regulatory attorney trades Wall Street stress for barber-chair swagger? Jessica shows how instinct, culture, and system design built a luxury grooming brand that outlasted the copycats.Summary:Jessica, founder of Mad Men Barbershop, shares how she turned gut calls, culture, and brand discipline into a multi-location grooming experience that grew stronger through competition and COVID. We unpack instinct-based decision-making, the split between creative vision and operational discipline, scaling culture across shops, and how social media keeps both clients and staff accountable. Jessica also opens up about writing Pivot And Slay and Selfish Is A Superpower, and speaks candidly about ambition, parenting, identity, and the practical hiring and vibe-setting tactics that keep her team aligned. This episode is all about building a lifestyle brand that stands the test of time—no matter who tries to copy it.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • Founding Mad Men Barbershop as a lifestyle brand, not a commodity • Why instinct often beats perfect plans in early entrepreneurship • How Jessica handled copycats—and why doubling down on culture works • COVID shutdown survival decisions and reopening timing • Scaling vibe, expectations, and accountability across multiple locations • Writing Pivot And Slay and Selfish Is A Superpower • How ambitious women navigate identity, parenting, and business growth • Hiring, training, and culture-setting that keeps standards high🔗 Guest Links• Website: https://pivotandslay.comhttps://www.madmenbarbershop.com • Instagram: @pivotandslay • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thejessicadennehy-7b629a201 • Books: Pivot And Slay & Selfish Is A Superpower (Amazon)🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia • Website | https://chrislalomia.comthetrustedtoolbox.com Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when small businesses stop fearing AI—and start using it to remove friction, boost margins, and strengthen customer trust?Summary:We trade fear for facts and show how real small businesses put AI to work without losing the human touch. From “Tina” the chatbot to contact-center triage, sales coaching, and smarter inventory planning, we map where humans still lead—and where bots quietly drive efficiency, speed, and margin growth.We also dig into the changing labor market, the disappearance of entry-level tech roles, and why care, therapy, and spiritual support will remain human-only. If you’re a small business owner wondering how to test AI tools safely and ethically, this episode gives you real-world examples and a simple rule: AI drafts, humans decide.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • AI chat handling after-hours inquiries with clean human handoffs • Why call centers are giving way to contact centers + chat automation • Sales coaching using recorded ride-alongs & feedback loops • What shifting market signals show across demographics • The vanishing entry-level pipeline in tech roles • Three domains AI won’t replace: caregiving, therapy, spiritual roles • Why small companies have the edge in testing emerging AI tools • Seasonal forecasting + inventory insights from real case studies • Google vs ChatGPT and the new research habits • A simple operational rule: AI drafts; humans decide🔗 Guest Links• W Rxsolution: Worxsolution.com • Veloci Technology Group: velocitechnology.group • WFH with Two Guys: Find on LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/dennisjackson10linkedin.com/in/https://www.linkedin.com/company/wfh-with-2-guys/posts/🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan Mail🎧 The Small Business SafariTITLE: From Anchorage to National: Niches, GEO, and Growth | Jennifer ChristensenHook in Body: What happens when ethical AI meets small business marketing? Jennifer Christensen built a national agency from Alaska, proving that data, discipline, and heart can scale together.Summary: Chris Lalomia and Alan Wyatt sit down with Jennifer Christensen, CMO and co-founder of a national marketing agency, to unpack how failure fuels leadership and how GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) helps small businesses show up in AI search. From building a brand in Anchorage to serving clients nationwide, Jennifer shares how AI can speed up delivery without sacrificing integrity.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS (Key Moments) • Turning early business failures into leadership lessons • Expanding from a small market to national reach • Choosing niches based on results, fit, and margins • Using AI for speed while keeping human quality control • GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and AI search visibility • Launching campaigns in days, not months • Building trust through ethical AI practices🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://sparkstorymarketing.com • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jenniferchristensenak • GEO Training: Free monthly sessions at think-anchorage.com/geo🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia • Website | https://chrislalomia.comFollow and rate and review usThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when a corporate sales leader swaps the corner office for family time — and ends up building two thriving brands instead?Summary: A former tech sales leader shares how losing a franchise became the best thing that ever happened. From setting boundaries that shaped the business model to launching a manufacturing arm that wins architectural specs, this episode dives into the discipline, strategy, and relationships that fuel sustainable growth without burnout.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS (Key Moments) • why family hours set the business model • lessons from a franchise territory loss • supplier training and hiring for skill transfer • early pricing discipline and margin traps • choosing commercial over residential for predictability • operating as a subcontractor to general contractors • launching a manufacturing brand alongside installs • winning specs with AIA CEUs and a spec builder • pacing growth to protect reputation and delivery • building a multi-generational team and future exit options🔗 Guest Links • Website: www.awningsaboveus.com• Website: www.skyscapecanopies.com • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-french-9928351/🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailSummary: Jeremy LaDuke, founder of Epic Nine, dives into the attention economy and why bold, memorable branding outperforms safe, copycat marketing. He explains how small businesses can set honest budgets, track what really matters, and build brand familiarity that drives conversion — even without perfect attribution. From Liquid Death’s creative risk-taking to networking tips for introverts, Jeremy shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply to grow with authenticity and courage.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS (Key Moments) • Disruptive branding lessons from Liquid Death • Defining SMART goals and budget honesty • Risk appetite and creative differentiation • Attribution reality and measuring what matters • Branded search as a proxy for awareness • Lower, mid, and top-funnel investment strategy • Climb Club for sub-$2M businesses • Networking tactics for introverts • When to use CTAs vs. pure brand • Distinctive assets: names, themes, mascots🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://epicnine.com • The Climb Club: https://theclimbclub.com • Book “Climb”: https://theclimb.guide or Amazon• LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyladuke/ • Book Rec: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.com• Website | www.safaripodcast.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailHook in Body: Chris and Greg met at Accenture and were implementing call center solutions at the nations largest banks, their friendship has been over 30 years and we are excited to share the journey that Greg has taken to this point.Summary: Greg, CEO of Timbers Resorts, shares how he went from Corporate Consultant to Real Estate Business Owner life of ownership, service, and decisive leadership. Luxury fractional ownership vs. timeshare, resilience after hurricanes, and how we leveraged a position within the company to be able to move into an ownership position as the previous owner looked to retire.💡 GOLD NUGGETS (Key Moments) • Surviving the consulting grind and owning outcomes • Why the 2006–2007 thesis said do not develop • Service as strategy in luxury real estate development and operation • Timeshare vs. fractional ownership with deeded interests • Referrals as a growth engine and cost of acquisition • Italy and Hawaii builds, permits, and GC replacement • Buying the company while honoring legacy •  Practical on risk, and decisive leadership🔗 Guest Links • Website: TimbersResorts.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-spencer-1630044/ • LinkedIn: “All you have to do is drop Chris Lalomia”🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | Chris Lalomia • Website | chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan Mail🎧 The Small Business Safari – Episode Title Profit Over Revenue: How 4 Corners CFO Turns Chaos into ClarityHook: We dig into profit over revenue, how service businesses should structure their books, and why capacity-based budgeting beats guesses.Summary: Danielle Hendon, founder of 4 Corners CFO, shows how niching, clean reconciliations, and cash flow forecasts turn anxiety into action. From culture vs. process tension to bottom-up budgeting, Danielle reframes accounting from a headache into a strategic growth tool. Learn why people costs belong in COGS, how capacity-based metrics expose underutilization, and what separates a weak bookkeeper from a real CFO partner.💡 GOLD NUGGETS (Key Moments) • Culture vs. process tension reframed around scalable profit • Revenue obsession challenged by profit-first thinking • People costs placed in COGS for real gross margin • Capacity-based revenue and utilization metrics • Bottom-up budgeting tied to activities, not accounts • Expense buckets as required, perks, and investments • Pricing flat fees to capture efficiency gains • Segregation of duties and clean reconciliations • How to spot a weak bookkeeper fast • Niching into law firms and selling with specifics • Cash flow forecasting that includes taxes and timing🔗 Guest Links • Website: 4cornerscfo.com • Special Page: 4cornerscfo.com/smallbusinesssafarihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-hendon/🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailMarika Ponton, CPA and founder of Profit Truths, shares how she built, sold, and pivoted her way to helping business owners find clarity, profit, and calm. From Big Four beginnings to entrepreneurial coaching, Marika reveals how small business owners can master their numbers, reallocate marketing spend, and finally take control of cash flow.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: The Small Business Safari on YouTube💡 GOLD NUGGETS (Key Moments)Big Four lessons that translate to small business gritWhy networking beats waiting for franchise leadsSubfloor to sales: detailed quotes as a differentiatorSelling while you’re the rainmaker and still getting valueFinancials that tell a story buyers trustMarketing spend benchmarks by industry and regionFixing gross profit before chasing net profitJudgment-free coaching and honest KPI dashboardsCash flow tactics, payroll timing, and owner salaryBenchmarking, reallocating ad spend, and growing margin🔗 Guest LinksMarika Ponton – Profit Truths • Website: https://profittruths.com • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marikaponton🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | Chris Lalomia • Website | chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailJustin Goodbread unpacks how concentrated focus beats scattered effort, why enterprise value matters more than income, and how designing for an exit creates freedom long before a sale. He shares the Deca-Millionaire framework forged through wins, losses, and relentless execution.🎥 Watch the Full Episode on YouTube👉 https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS (Key Moments)·        • The black dot metaphor for singular focus·        • Early entrepreneurship, hardship, and the mountaintop reset·        • Mindset rewiring and fitness as business force multipliers·        • Vision and values as non‑negotiables for scaling·        • One client, one offer, one outcome discipline·        • The 4% drives 64% principle for prioritization·        • Quarterly enterprise value reviews and execution sprints·        • Building a business that runs without you·        • Always be exit‑ready to maximize timing and valuation·        • Practical examples: productizing services, narrowing offers🔗 Guest Links• Website: https://JustinGoodbread.com• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justingoodbread• Instagram: @justingoodbread🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast• LinkedIn | Chris Lalomia• Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailSkot Waldron shares how business leaders can transform their company culture by focusing on intentional leadership and internal brand development before external marketing. He explains that effective culture-building creates environments where people feel valued and motivated from within rather than being micromanaged.• The distinction between managing people versus leading them—people want to be led, not managed• How company culture is "the air you're breathing" and exists whether you're intentionally cultivating it or not• Small businesses often "get the shaft" from marketing agencies selling superficial solutions without strategic foundations• Replacing employees costs 1.5-2.5 times their salary, making culture investment financially sound• The importance of intentional mentorship programs for retaining younger generations• "Don't light fires under people, light them inside them" as a leadership philosophy• Skot's book "Unlocked" provides a 52-week framework for developing intentional leadership• Every interaction creates either a "brand deposit" or "brand withdrawal" with your team• Leaders should consider how people will think and talk about them 20 years in the futureTo learn more about Skot's speaking, coaching, and leadership development programs, visit his website or connect with him through his social media channels.https://www.linkedin.com/in/skotwaldronskotwaldron.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailLinkedIn strategist Al Kushner shares essential strategies for cutting through the noise and leveraging AI to establish yourself as a thought leader on the world's largest professional network.• Creating an optimized LinkedIn profile is essential before any outreach• Establishing yourself as a thought leader requires providing value, not just selling• LinkedIn newsletters bypass spam filters and deliver directly to subscribers' inboxes• Using AI can help craft better responses and engage with influential content creators• Sales Navigator provides valuable insights into who's viewing your profile and who's active• Focus on connecting with referral partners rather than direct prospecting• Recent recommendations significantly impact how prospects perceive your credibility• Responding to others' content is more effective than just posting your own• Follow influencers and thoughtfully comment on their posts to increase visibilityIf you want to learn more about optimizing your LinkedIn profile and leveraging AI in your professional networking, visit linkvantage.com where you can access Al's free ebook and other resources.https://www.linkedin.com/in/al-kushner/linkvantage.comAlKushnerSpeaks.com Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailSouthside Steve Rickman shares his journey from radio personality to entrepreneur, revealing how corporate radio's restrictions pushed him to bet on himself and build multiple businesses on his own terms.• Began in radio accidentally by filling in for a voice talent at 96 Rock while working at an ad agency• Became known on "The Regular Guys" morning show for outrageous stunts including being shot with BB guns• Developed a loyal following but faced increasing corporate restrictions on content• Was fired with no severance despite being a top revenue generator for the station• Opened a Smokey and the Bandit themed bar while still working morning radio• Faced challenges from skeptical family members during the transition to entrepreneurship• Currently developing "Yeah C'mon" bourbon brand aimed at blue-collar consumers• Runs his own radio platform on My Fox FM where he follows FCC rules but not "corporate woke rules"• Maintains an optimistic outlook despite setbacks: "Even if it's half full, it's full"Check out the Yeah C'mon Show podcast on YouTube, and follow Southside Steve on social media to keep up with his latest ventures.Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailIan Hay returns to share crucial disaster preparedness strategies for business owners during hurricane season and National Preparedness Month, emphasizing self-reliance when government resources may be limited.• Text instead of calling during emergencies and include specific location information• Keep multiple backups of all cloud-based data in different physical locations• Maintain cash in small denominations for emergencies when electronic payments fail• Have essential emergency supplies readily available including water, food, and batteries• Keep fire blankets accessible for electrical fires rather than just fire extinguishers• Establish clear communication plans with employees including alternative contact methods• Understand your business insurance coverage thoroughly before disaster strikes• Consider carrying phones on different networks to maintain communication during outages• For career transition and AI integration coaching, contact Ian at 770-293-8870• Visit lickitysplitdisasterkit.com for a special discount on Ian's disaster preparedness video packagehttps://licketysplitdisasterkit.com/Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Eric Fortenberry takes us through his unique journey—from software entrepreneur, to running a construction company, to discovering firsthand the operational flaws that hold businesses back. What started as troubleshooting for his own company turned into the creation of JobTread, a platform designed to solve the biggest pain points in the construction industry.Gold Nuggets from Eric’s journey:Working on Estimating First to get the profit built into the Job UpfrontBuilding documentation systems that clearly define project scopes and make change orders simple and enforceableFixing the “shopping and shit” TIME WASTER by moving crews from hourly pay to fixed-price workDriving a business turnaround from $5M to $8M in revenue with a 43% jump in gross profit in just one yearScaling JobTread from 200 customers in 2021 to more than 7,500 today (adding 500+ new accounts monthly)Structured onboarding, training programs to ensure customer successEric shares powerful insights that every business owner can use to tighten operations, boost profits, and scale with confidence.Visit jobtread.com to learn more or schedule a demo. Eric is also active in the JobTread Pros Facebook group with over 7,000 members and can be reached directly at [email protected]://www.youtube.com/JobTreadhttps://www.facebook.com/JobTread/https://www.instagram.com/jobtreadhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/jobtread/https://x.com/JobTreadThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailEllen Tyler, founder of Ellen Tyler Coaching, shares her inspiring journey from corporate financial services to becoming a successful business coach. She reveals why mindset is the real currency of business — and how slowing down, visualizing success, and asking the right questions can lead to seven-figure growth. Ellen also breaks down her unique approach to coaching that focuses on the person behind the business, empowering women to overcome limiting beliefs and thrive.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS (Key Moments)• Responding vs. reacting — why taking a breath before deciding changes outcomes• Start your day with goals, not emails• The “What went well today?” exercise that rewires your mindset• Women’s unique business challenges — and how to break the seven-figure ceiling• How curiosity creates real connection and opportunity• The networking question that opens every room: “Who are the three most interesting people here?”• Why visualizing your goals makes them real🔗 Guest Links• Website: https://ellentylercoaching.com• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellentyler🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast• LinkedIn | Chris Lalomia• Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailEver wondered how some businesses seem to have plenty of cash while others with similar revenue struggle to make payroll? The secret lies in understanding the financial gap between money coming in and money going out—and nobody explains this better than Cashflow Mike.In this eye-opening episode, Mike Milan shares his remarkable journey from state trooper to financial expert, revealing how accident reconstruction mathematics gave him the breakthrough he needed to understand business finances in practical, applicable ways. "I didn't understand math until I was a state trooper," Mike explains, describing how connecting abstract concepts to real-world scenarios transformed his relationship with numbers.Mike introduces us to the counterintuitive concept of "growing broke"—being so successful that you actually run out of money. Through colorful stories about his experiences running multiple businesses (from janitorial services to restaurants and property management), he illustrates how extending payment terms to clients while still needing to meet regular expenses creates a dangerous cash flow trap that can sink even thriving companies.The heart of this episode focuses on Mike's Clear Path to Cash program and how it helps businesses identify hidden cash through analyzing just nine key numbers from financial statements. This approach has helped his clients uncover over $150 million in hidden cash without increasing sales. Rather than chasing revenue, Mike emphasizes focusing on gross profit—the only cash available to cover operating expenses or contribute to net profit.For business owners feeling the cash crunch despite solid sales, this episode provides practical insights into six key calculations that reveal where cash is hiding in your business. Whether you're running a construction company, a service business, or any small to medium enterprise, Mike's accessible approach to financial analysis will transform how you view your business finances.Ready to find the hidden cash in your business? Visit cashflowmike.com for a free Seven Minute Conversation course that will help you understand your business finances better than you have all year.https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemilan/cashflowmike.com [email protected]://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=cash%20flow%20mikeclear path to cashThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailEver wonder what keeps your friendly neighborhood business attorney up at night? Hint: it's watching entrepreneurs shake hands on partnerships without proper documentation, then having to pick up the pieces when it all falls apart.Brandon Woodward, founder of Woodward, Kelly, Fulton and Kaplan, cuts through the legal mystique to deliver straight talk about protecting your small business. With 25 years of experience guiding entrepreneurs through the legal landscape, Brandon shares why waiting until there's a problem to seek legal help is like trying to buy insurance while your house is already on fire.The conversation tackles those awkward but essential discussions business partners need to have while everyone's still smiling and optimistic. Brandon explains why documenting agreements upfront prevents costly disputes when unexpected circumstances arise. "Silent partners are never silent," he warns, highlighting how proper documentation protects everyone involved when reality inevitably differs from rosy projections.Cash flow challenges get special attention as Brandon reveals why collections issues can sink even profitable businesses. "A business can run in the red for decades, but you can only run out of cash one time," he notes, offering practical advice for maintaining healthy receivables without alienating clients.Perhaps most valuable is Brandon's guidance on building business cultures that retain talent. He shares a philosophy that resonates deeply: "Train employees so well they could work anywhere. Treat them so well they won't want to." Through profit-sharing and meaningful inclusion, Brandon demonstrates how legal structures can support rather than hinder positive workplace dynamics.For business owners contemplating an exit, Brandon's insights on preparing years in advance for a sale prove invaluable. His free white paper (available at wkfklaw.com) outlines steps to maximize value and ensure smooth transitions.Ready to protect what you've built? This episode delivers the legal wisdom every entrepreneur needs without the intimidating billable hours. Your business deserves more than a handshake and good intentions—give it the legal foundation to thrive.linkedin.com/in/wkfklw.com wkfklw.com facebook.com/WoodwardCounsel Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailJames Holivsky of The Fran Dream shares his journey from corporate America to helping athletes and professionals find the right franchise fit, revealing what makes a successful franchise owner and which concepts offer the best opportunities today.• After 25 years in corporate America, James helped grow a restaurant chain from 1 to 100 stores before partnering with NFL players on various concepts• Athletes excel at franchise ownership because they're accustomed to following playbooks and betting on themselves• The most successful franchisees follow established systems rather than trying to reinvent them• Current hot franchise opportunities include indoor golf simulators with 24/7 access and minimal staffing requirements• Dog grooming concepts with membership models offer strong margins and recurring revenue• Home service businesses, children's education, and senior care will continue to be strong franchise sectors• Semi-passive ownership is possible but requires initial hands-on involvement and strong managers• James personally vets franchises by examining profit margins, startup costs, and franchisee satisfaction• When evaluating franchises, the most important question to ask existing owners is "Would you do it again?"• Finding the right franchise requires clarity about your goals: semi-passive income, multi-unit operation, or building generational wealthIf you're interested in exploring franchise opportunities, visit TheFranDream.com or email James at [email protected]://www.linkedin.com/in/jhilovsky/https://www.instagram.com/thefrandream/?hl=en#franchise#franchisee#franchisor#professional#athlete#playbook#golf#goldsimulator#thefrandream#smallbusiness#money#love#joshaltmanThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailCharles and Clay Gridley, the father-son duo behind Six Bridges Brewing, share their journey from homebrewers to successful craft brewery owners with two locations in Georgia's Johns Creek and Milton areas. They reveal how strategic infrastructure planning, distribution partnerships, and community engagement have helped them thrive for seven years in a competitive market.• Started as homebrewers before investing Charles' retirement savings to launch Georgia's first father-son brewery• Built larger infrastructure than initially needed to avoid costly upgrades later, making expansion easier• Navigated Georgia's three-tier distribution system by carefully selecting the right distributor partner• Boldly expanded to a second location during November 2020 despite pandemic uncertainties• Created community gathering spaces with events, special releases like the popular "Love Tractor" peach IPA• Integrated family throughout the business, with Clay's wife managing the Milton location and Charles' brother handling production• Constantly adapting to industry trends while maintaining core business principles• Named "Six Bridges" after the six roads with "bridge" in their names throughout Johns CreekCome visit one of our two locations in Johns Creek or Milton to experience our craft beers, spirits, and community atmosphere. If you can name all six bridges without looking at our mural, your first pint is on us!www.sixbridgesbrewing.comhttps://www.facebook.com/6BridgesBrewinghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/six-bridges-brewing/https://www.instagram.com/sixbridgesbrewing/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/sixbridgescrabapple/?hl=en#beer#love#money#distillery#taproom#beergarden#dogfriendly##packagebeer#livemusic#foodtrucks#beerdistribution#entertainment#patio#IPA#tiptop#lovetractor#sours#bourbon#rum#singlemaltwhiskey#whiskey#barbeque#prohibition#keylimepie# casualatmosphere#familyThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailDerek and Andrea Johnston share their journey from enjoying a charcuterie board on their first date to founding The Gathering Board, a successful charcuterie business started during the pandemic.• Started business without formal planning after discovering no similar services existed in their area• Built their website in three days and received their first non-friend order while grocery shopping• Initially operated as a "bootleg" business until securing proper licensing and a commercial space• Gained traction through Facebook group "Cherokee Connect," generating 500 website visits overnight• Adopted Gordon Ramsay's quality standards after Andrea watched Hell's Kitchen while recovering from a broken jaw• Expanded from small home delivery boards to event catering, now representing 75% of their business• Secured their liquor license to provide full-service events including charcuterie and their signature "Pasta Baby" dish• Partner with Rally Foundation for childhood cancer research, raising $20,000 through donated services• Now employ a manager plus several staff members after five years in business• Maintain the same high standards for every client regardless of size or profileFollow the same high standards for all your work because you never know when a small job will lead to a major opportunity – many clients try a small order before booking a wedding or large [email protected]://www.instagram.com/thegatheringboard.co/?hl=enhttps://www.facebook.com/thegatheringboard.co/?ref=_xav_ig_profile_page_web#www.thegatheringboard.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-johnston-70a8271bb/https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnston-4806746a/#rallyfoundation#pastababy#focaccia#cherokeecountyfacebook#rallyontherunway#charcuterieboard#love#wine#pasta#grazingtables#catering#delivery#Atlanta#smallbusiness#money#entreprenuerThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailJustin shares his entrepreneurial journey from math teacher to software sales professional to exterior cleaning business owner, revealing how a layoff turned his side hustle into a full-time venture.• Started with just $4,000 investment and his wife's blessing to "go fail"• Prioritized education by traveling to learn from industry veterans rather than figuring it out alone• Discovered algae on roofs is a living organism eating away at shingles, requiring cleaning every 5-7 years• Partnered with insurance companies who were looking to reduce their risk from unmaintained properties• Built a custom pump system capable of cleaning 4-5 story buildings from the ground without ladders• Broke his arm in a ladder accident, forcing him to hire and train others—accelerating business growth• Doubled business in year two through networking, particularly through BNI membership• Now considering vertical integration by acquiring a chemical distribution dealership• Exploring development of a direct-to-consumer product to help homeowners properly clean exteriorsIf you're facing algae streaks on your roof or need exterior cleaning services in the Atlanta area, reach out to Justin at myexteriorcleaner.com or find them on Instagram and LinkedIn.#myexteriorcleaner#heretohelplinkedin.com/in/justin-reamesmyexteriorcleaner.com#pressure#cleaner#clean#boats#BNI#algae#roofs#love#money#ladders#solutions#pressurewashing#pressurewashingsolutions#insurance#helpThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailMindset coach Renata Mazu reveals how mental blocks prevent business growth and success despite having the right strategies and knowledge. She explores the psychology behind why entrepreneurs sabotage themselves through fear, past trauma, and unconscious patterns that keep them stuck.• Most business owners know what to do but are held back by mindset issues and "head trash"• Our past experiences create limiting beliefs that manifest as business obstacles decades later• Looking for evidence not to trust people creates self-defeating cycles in leadership• Fear of public speaking isn't about speaking itself but about feared consequences like judgment• Mental blocks eventually manifest physically as stress, pain, or illness when left unprocessed• Strategy is only 20-30% of business success - the rest is mindset and implementation• Self-awareness and observing your patterns is the first step to breaking through limitations• Processing past emotions properly unlocks new potential for growth and confidence• Monthly "Money and Mindset" events in Atlanta combine practical strategy with psychological workCheck out Renata's book "Journey to Healing" on Amazon and connect with her on social media under Renata Mazu or Edge Savvy.https://www.linkedin.com/in/edgesavvy/Instagram:  @edgesavvy#money#mindset#love#homeservicehalloffame#paulburleson#TheJourneytoHealing#healing#journey#golfThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when a fallen preacher finds redemption behind prison walls? Kit Cummings shares his extraordinary journey from respected church leader to rock bottom, and how this painful path ultimately led him to discover his true calling.With unflinching honesty, Kit reveals how the pressures of leading a 5,000-member congregation led to personal struggles that cost him everything. After a life-changing car accident that should have resulted in jail time but ended with what he calls "an angel in a cop uniform," Kit began a journey toward sobriety. His redemption story took an unexpected turn when he reconnected with a former mentee facing gang-related murder charges, opening the door to what would become his life's mission.Through powerful storytelling, Kit takes us inside some of the world's most dangerous prisons, where he's created peace movements that have dramatically reduced violence. With vulnerability as his superpower, Kit has earned the respect of hardened gang leaders by approaching them not as broken souls needing salvation, but as teachers who helped him rediscover the principles of respect, integrity, and loyalty he had lost along the way.The conversation expands beyond prison walls to Kit's work with youth through his "Protect the Dream" program, helping young people develop aspirations powerful enough to overcome negative influences. His insights about dream protection apply equally to business owners and anyone striving to maintain focus on their goals while navigating life's challenges.This episode delivers profound lessons about redemption, purpose, and how our greatest failures can become the foundation for our most meaningful work. Kit's journey proves that transformation is possible in the most unlikely places, and that sometimes we find our truest calling only after losing everything we thought defined us.#protectthedream#powerofpeace#kitcummings#respect#loyalty#integrity#prisons#gangsters#loveThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailFernando Melo shares his incredible journey from Brazilian immigrant to successful business owner with M&M Home Exteriors, providing roofing, siding, gutters, windows, doors, painting and deck services throughout Atlanta.• Fernando's dream to visit America and Disney World as a child led to his immigration in 2000• Started with zero English skills, sleeping on a stranger's couch while attending ESL classes• Discovered natural talent for exterior construction work, particularly siding installation• Founded his first business just five years after arriving in America• Survived the 2008 housing crisis by downsizing from four crews to just himself and a helper• Expanded into M&M Home Exteriors in 2015, now running multiple specialized crews• Customer service philosophy influenced by Disney's approach to creating experiences• Values treating crews with respect and refuses to work with clients who disrespect his team• Balances business ambitions with family time, building a legacy for his two young sons• Emphasizes quality workmanship and taking pride in transforming homesVisit sidingatlanta.com or search M&M Home Exteriors on social media platforms to learn more about Fernando's services.#siding#love#atlanta#fernandomelo#M&Mhomeexteriors#disney#brazil#america#ESL#deck#exterior#homeThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailMichael shares his journey from Enterprise Rent-A-Car to real estate entrepreneurship, highlighting how each career step taught valuable lessons about leadership, influence, and customer service. His decision to leave corporate America wasn't about dissatisfaction but about creating a life and business fully aligned with his and his wife Cristi's deeper goals.• Starting as a rental car agent and witnessing a tie get caught in a paper shredder (a moment that still lives in infamy)• Working in diverse environments including South DeKalb and Kindercare, where he learned patience and adaptability• Transitioning to franchising, where he developed skills in influencing without direct authority• Realizing that despite corporate success, his goals required entrepreneurial freedom• Building True Blue Mountain Group with a focus on operational excellence and customer experience• Developing systems that create consistency in real estate transactions• Using community involvement and networking to establish presence in Blue Ridge• Leveraging social media connections to reach potential clients seeking vacation properties• Understanding that when you "burn your ships" and commit fully, going back isn't an option• Sharing his DIY disaster of accidentally drilling into a water pipe (and the smart move of putting the screw back in)#truebluemountaingroup#realestate#bourbon#networking#KellerWilliams#KW#LOVEThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailChristi shares her remarkable journey from military police to Phoenix PD sex crimes detective to successful real estate entrepreneur in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Her story reveals how transferable skills and authentic networking can lead to success in an entirely new field.• Began career as Military Police after ROTC college scholarship• Spent nearly 22 years with Phoenix Police Department, primarily in the sex crimes unit• Featured in documentaries about sex trafficking that still air on Delta flights• Developed coping mechanisms to deal with witnessing humanity at its worst• Initially thought corporate America was the next logical step after law enforcement• Found corporate world surprisingly inefficient and culturally misaligned• Rebuilt her network from scratch through intensive community involvement• Applied investigative and listening skills to her real estate career• Focuses on honesty with clients rather than maximizing commissions• Recently launched True Blue Mountain Group Realtor Group• Recommends "Greenlights" by Matthew McConaughey for turning challenges into opportunitieshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/christi-decoufl%C3%A9-51a0bb85/https://www.facebook.com/ChristiDecoufleRealtor/https://www.instagram.com/christi_decoufle_realtor/https://www.pbs.org/video/sex-trafficking-in-america-tptgui/#KELLERWILLIAMS#realestate#BlueRidgeGeorgia#thetrustedtoolbox#smallbusinesssafari#bourbonThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Send us Fan MailEvery job is a sales job, and every interaction is a sales interaction. Learning to understand needs, help people, find solutions collaboratively, and remove the "ick factor" from the sales process transforms how we approach all our business relationships.• Sales begins with selling yourself authentically and consistently• Your body language constitutes 80% of communication, even in virtual settings• The true bottlenecks often occur after the sale—in service, follow-up, and billing• Many companies create "transactionships" instead of relationships with customers• Customers need to feel seen, felt, and heard throughout their experience• Getting employees involved in sales requires showing how it benefits them personally• Effective retention begins at the first interaction, not after the transaction• Ask for referrals, reviews, and repeat business instead of hoping they'll happenCheck out Dr. Cindy McGovern's books "Every Job is a Sales Job" and "Sell Yourself" at [email protected] or follow her at 1ST Lady of Sales on all platforms.#ORANGELEAFACADEMY#SMALLBUSINESSSAFARI#BOURBON#SELLINGhttps://drcindy.com/orange-leaf-academy/Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!