Small Business Strong

May is your last chance.Every June, phones start blowing up with emergency calls that could’ve been prevented with a few simple steps in May. In this episode, I walk you through a practical checklist to get your home ready before the Texas heat hits.We cover:Why your AC system needs attention NOW (not in June)How your attic could be silently driving up your energy billEasy fixes for windows, doors, and weatherstripping that actually make a differenceFoundation warning signs most homeowners missOutdoor systemsIf you’re a homeowner, this episode can save you time and money.Pick one thing from this list and knock it out this weekend.If this helps you, share it with a neighbor. Someone on your street needs to hear it.

Learn how to start a handyman business step-by-step—even with no experience—and how to realistically grow.In this episode of Small Business Strong, I break down exactly how to get your first jobs, what tools you actually need, how to price your work, and how to build momentum fast.No fluff—just real-world advice from running a handyman business every day.⸻ What you’ll learn:• How to get your first handyman jobs• What tools you actually need• How to price jobs (not hourly)• How to build trust and get referralsIf you’re thinking about starting your own handyman business, check out my Handiwork Startup System — a simple step-by-step guide to launching a referral-based handyman company.https://handiwork.gumroad.com/l/HandiworkStartupSystemConnect with Small Business Strong:Email: ⁠[email protected]

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

Homes require constant maintenance—but the real issue isn’t maintenance… it’s what gets ignored.In this episode of Small Business Strong, I break down the top 5 things I personally see causing serious (and expensive) damage in homes—the stuff most homeowners don’t even realize is a problem until it’s too late.This isn’t theory. This is what I see every week in real houses.🔧 What We Cover:1. Drywall CracksWhen they’re normal vs when they’re a problemWhy foundation movement is expectedWhy cracks over 1/4” matterIt’s not just the crack—it’s how fast it’s changing2. Foundation Corners (Slab Homes)Why corners show problems firstWhat cracks to look forSigns like doors not closing properly3. Toilets & Hidden LeaksBad wax rings (smell = problem)Silent leaks you won’t notice until damage is doneBidet attachments and why they can flood a house4. Water Issues (Biggest Money Killer)How to check your water meter for hidden leaksWhy every homeowner should have a water meter keyWater heater checks + why you should drain it yearly5. Baseboards = Early Warning SystemSwelling, discoloration, or separationOne of the easiest ways to catch a leak early⚠️ What to Watch For:Problems getting worse over timeAny signs of moisture or waterMovement (shifting, cracking, separating)🛠️ When to Call a Handyman vs a Specialist:Cosmetic issues → HandymanStructural or major water issues → Specialist💡 Bottom Line:Most problems in a home are normal.But ignoring the wrong ones… is what gets expensive.If you’re a homeowner and want to avoid costly repairs, this episode will save you money.

In Episode 10, I break down the real reasons why so many homeowners end up getting ripped off by contractors and handymen.It’s not always bad intentions—most of the time, it comes down to poor decisions, unclear expectations, and lack of communication.I walk through 6 (really 5) common mistakes homeowners make, including choosing the cheapest bid, not getting a clear scope of work, and failing to ask the right questions upfront.If you’re planning a project or hiring someone to work on your home, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and make smarter decisions.Key Takeaways:Why referrals matter more than anythingThe danger of choosing the lowest bidWhy everything must be in writingHow communication can make or break a projectWhat to ask before any job startsIf you follow these principles, you’ll dramatically reduce your chances of getting taken advantage of.

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

In this episode of Small Business Strong, I'm in the interview chair to share my own story.I break down how I started my handyman business in 2021—right after getting laid off—and how remodeling my own home became the foundation for learning real, practical skills. I talk through the early challenges of supporting a family, the mistakes I made starting out, and the small wins that helped build momentum.This episode also dives into how consuming podcasts and YouTube content played a role in shaping my path, and why I decided to start Small Business Strong—not just to build something for myself, but to give back.The mission is simple: highlight real stories from real business owners. Success looks different for everyone, and this platform exists to show what it actually takes to build something from the ground up.If you’re thinking about starting a business—or you’re in the middle of the grind—this episode will give you a real look at what that journey can look like.

Russell Birk, owner of Maya’s Modern Mediterranean, joins Small Business Strong to talk about the reality of building a high-quality Mediterranean restaurant — and do what it takes to make it work.Before opening Maya’s, Russell worked in finance. He analysed restaurant financials, studied turnaround strategies for them, and identified other tactics that weren't being capitalized on. He saw the numbers, the margins, the failures, and the operational mistakes from the inside. He understood what made restaurants succeed — and what caused them to collapse — long before he ever opened his own doors.That experience shaped his approach to Maya’s.In this episode, we talk about how his vision for clean, high-quality Mediterranean food became a real business — and why he refuses to lower standards even when the industry pressures you to cut corners.Last year, one of Maya’s locations closed. Russell shares what happened, what he learned, and how he processed the setback. Instead of retreating, he doubled down on discipline, structure, and long-term thinking.We cover:• His background in finance and restaurant acquisitions• What most people misunderstand about the restaurant business• The financial realities of operating a high-quality restaurant• Why standards matter — especially when margins get tight• Lessons from closing a location• His mindset that failure is not an option• Plans to open new Maya’s locations• How someone can start a restaurant todayThis is a conversation about execution — not just ideas. About turning a vision into something tangible. And about staying committed when the numbers, the pressure, and the setbacks test you.If you’re building a business, thinking about opening a restaurant, or sitting on a dream you haven’t executed yet — this episode is for you.Small Business Strong features entrepreneurs who are actively building in their communities.Subscribe for weekly conversations with business owners in the trenches.

In this episode, I sit down with my wife, Audrey Lane, to talk about how she started a vintage resale shop with zero dollars.We break down exactly how she got started — including finding items on the side of the road, sourcing for free, and turning everyday finds into real income. This is one of the most flexible jobs you can do: no boss, no schedule, and no office. You can work for yourself and list items from anywhere — even the bathtub.We talk through the pros of resale: freedom, flexibility, low risk, and the ability to start immediately without capital. Most importantly, Audrey shares what someone needs to know if they’re thinking about starting a vintage resale shop of their own and want a realistic, approachable way to begin.If you’ve ever thought about reselling, flipping, or starting a small business without money, this episode will show you how simple it can be to get started.

In this episode of Small Business Strong, I sit down with Chandler Wakefield, founder of Wakefield Woodworking, to talk through the real path of building a professional woodworking business from the ground up—starting with just $1,500 in tools.Chandler shares how he got his start working alongside his father-in-law, learning the ropes of the trade the hard way and developing the skills, discipline, and standards required to make woodworking more than just a hobby. We talk about the early foundation that experience gave him, and how it shaped the way he approaches both craftsmanship and business today.Before woodworking, Chandler was on a very different path—planning to become a doctor, then moving into medical sales, and hitting a few bumps along the way. We talk honestly about those transitions, the uncertainty, and what it looks like to pivot without losing momentum.Now roughly five years in, Chandler is growing, reinvesting in new equipment, and aiming for $500,000 in revenue this year. This conversation is about patience, learning, reinvestment, and building something sustainable—one decision at a time.If you’re in the trades, considering a pivot, or trying to build a real business with your hands and your name on the line, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I sit down with Nick Gainey of Lone Star Threads to talk through his journey of starting and growing a T-shirt and embroidery business from the ground up. Nick shares the risks he took early on and what it really looks like to build something before the success ever shows up.We also talk about Nick’s decision to purchase a painting company using an SBA loan, what stepping into ownership has been like after an acquisition, and their German Shepherd breeding operation, Reinberg German Shepherd.Throughout the conversation, we discuss faith, rest, and the reality of how demanding the early stages of business can be — especially before you hire help and you’re carrying everything yourself. This episode offers an honest look at entrepreneurship, responsibility, and building strong foundations both at work and at home.Connect with Nick• Lone Star ThreadsInstagram: @lsthreadsFacebook: Lone Star Threads• Hutch-N-Son’s PaintingFacebook: Hutch-N-Son Painting• Reinberg German ShepherdInstagram: @reinberggermanshepherdsFacebook: Reinberg German ShepherdsContact the ShowFor questions, guest inquiries, or sponsorships:[email protected] Startup SystemIf you’re thinking about starting your own handyman business, check out my Handiwork Startup System — a simple step-by-step guide to launching a referral-based handyman company.https://handiwork.gumroad.com/l/HandiworkStartupSystem

In this episode, I sit down with Joseph Arze, co-owner of Harp & Bowl Coffee Co., a specialty coffee company based here in Rockwall, Texas. We talk about Joseph’s upbringing, his time at Dallas Baptist University, and the experiences — including a formative trip to Guatemala — that helped shape his path toward entrepreneurship.Joseph shares what it was really like to start Harp & Bowl, the challenges of building a business from the ground up, and how faith and values influence the way he approaches leadership, operations, and long-term growth. We also walk through the coffee supply chain, from growers and exporters to roasting and distribution, and discuss what actually works — and doesn’t work — when it comes to marketing a product-based business.This conversation offers practical insight and perspective for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, craft-based businesses, or building a company with purpose and discipline. It’s an honest look at what it takes to build something thoughtfully and sustainably.⸻Connect with Joseph / Harp & Bowl Coffee Co.:Website: www.harpandbowlcoffee.comInstagram: harpandbowlcoffee.co⸻Connect with Small Business Strong:Email: [email protected] Startup SystemIf you’re thinking about starting your own handyman business, check out my Handiwork Startup System — a simple step-by-step guide to launching a referral-based handyman company.https://handiwork.gumroad.com/l/HandiworkStartupSystem

In this episode, I sit down with Kalin Seamans, owner of Revelation Electrical Services here in Rockwall, Texas. We talk about how he built his electrical business, the lessons he learned from starting two other businesses that didn’t work out, and how relationships and referrals have become the foundation of the way he serves people today.Kalin shares what it looks like to rebuild after failure, stay grounded in faith, and run a business where integrity and consistency matter just as much as technical skill. His story is honest, encouraging, and packed with practical takeaways for anyone trying to grow a business the right way.This conversation is full of real-world wisdom for small business owners who want to work with purpose and build something that lasts.⸻Connect with Kalin / Revelation Electrical Services:Website: https://www.revelationelectricalservices.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RevelationElectricalServices⸻Connect with Small Business Strong:Email: [email protected] Startup SystemIf you’re thinking about starting your own handyman business, check out my Handiwork Startup System — a simple step-by-step guide to launching a referral-based handyman company.https://handiwork.gumroad.com/l/HandiworkStartupSystem

In this episode, I sit down with Bill Lucas, owner of Your Garage Door Guys and a local pastor in the Rockwall area. We talk about how he started his business, what it takes to serve people well, and how faith influences the way we work, lead, and handle challenges in everyday life.Bill shares lessons from balancing business, ministry, family, and community — and how choosing to operate with integrity can shape the entire culture of a business.This conversation is full of practical wisdom for anyone building something that matters.⸻Connect with Bill / Your Garage Door Guys:Website: https://yourgdguys.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourgdguys/⸻Connect with Small Business Strong:Email: [email protected] Startup SystemIf you’re thinking about starting your own handyman business, check out my Handiwork Startup System — a simple step-by-step guide to launching a referral-based handyman company.https://handiwork.gumroad.com/l/HandiworkStartupSystem

Welcome to Small Business Strong! I'm your host, John Lane, a small business owner, and every episode, I sit down with business owners who've taken an idea and turned it into reality.So get ready to join me on some insightful conversations with my amazing guests.Have an idea for a business you'd like to hear? Email John at [email protected] Startup SystemIf you’re thinking about starting your own handyman business, check out my Handiwork Startup System — a simple step-by-step guide to launching a referral-based handyman company.https://handiwork.gumroad.com/l/HandiworkStartupSystem