Celebrating Small Family Businesses

In this episode of Celebrating Small Family Businesses, we are joined by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Andrea and Ray Bryant. Their story is the perfect example of how one closed door can lead to a much better open one.Andrea shares her journey from a burned-out second-grade teacher to a real estate flipper, and finally, to the owner of Staged Right LLC. You’ll hear the incredible story of how they almost bought an existing staging business, only to discover red flags (and a "mean" owner) that made them run in the opposite direction. Instead of buying a legacy of bad vibes, they bought a U-Haul and started from scratch!Ray joins the conversation to talk about his role as the supportive spouse with a W2 job, the "Sanford and Son" days of their early inventory, and why he knew Andrea could succeed before she believed it herself.We also dive into the nitty-gritty of scaling a family business, including how Andrea built a team so trustworthy that she was able to take a one-month vacation while the business kept humming.In this episode, we discuss:The Career Pivot: Moving from the pressure of standardized testing in schools to the creativity of home staging.Due Diligence: The story of shadowing a business owner for two months and realizing you shouldn't buy their company.The "Ray" Factor: How to balance a full-time job while supporting your spouse’s new entrepreneurial venture (and doing the heavy lifting!).Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Why "I don't know how to do that" shouldn't stop you.The "Clockwork" Moment: How Andrea successfully stepped away for a month-long vacation without the business falling apart.Giving Back: How Staged Right uses their inventory to support The Joshua House, a local shelter for abused and neglected children.Mentioned in this Episode:Book Recommendation: Clockwork by Mike Michalowicz (John’s pick for business systems!)Charity Spotlight: The Joshua HouseConnect with Staged Right:Website: https://stagedrightllc.com/Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/stagedrightllcA Note from John & Connie:We loved Andrea’s advice at the end: "You can do more than you think you can do." Sometimes, it just takes a supportive partner and a little push to realize your own potential. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review!00:00 Introduction to Staged Right LLC00:38 Andrea's Journey from Teaching to House Flipping01:13 The Unexpected Opportunity02:10 Starting Staged Right LLC03:43 Challenges and Early Successes05:31 The Importance of Staging in Real Estate07:53 Personal Stories and Lessons Learned13:34 Balancing Business and Personal Life16:53 Reflecting on Career Choices17:36 Learning About Each Other19:19 Advice for Couples in Business20:00 Balancing Business and Personal Life21:04 The Joy of Staging22:43 Charity Work and Giving Back23:56 Building a Self-Sustaining Business31:05 Encouragement for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

We had such a blast sitting down with the dynamic duo behind Real Estate Corral Investors Network - Clifford and Brandy Walker from Dallas, Texas! This episode is packed with genuine wisdom, humor, and real-world advice from a couple who transformed their lives from a truck driver and teacher into successful real estate investors and educators.What We Discovered: ✅ How a podcast changed everything for this trucking family ✅ The "secret sauce" to ethical real estate investing ✅ Why serving others beats low-balling every time ✅ How to handle the ups and downs of entrepreneurship as a couple ✅ The ice cream strategy for difficult conversations (seriously!) ✅ Building wealth through wholesaling, fix & flips, and rentalsClifford and Brandy shared their journey of discovery with refreshing honesty - from cutting coupons and stretching dollars to building a thriving real estate education business. Their approach focuses on serving sellers in tough situations rather than taking advantage, proving that you can do well by doing good in real estate.Key Takeaways We Loved: • Focus on serving rather than just selling • "It'll all work itself out" - faith-based business approach • Embrace different working styles in partnerships • Make business fun, even during stressful seasons • Match real estate strategies to current financial needs • Ice cream makes every difficult conversation better!The Walkers prove that with the right mindset, strong partnership, and genuine desire to help others, you can build both wealth and impact. Their story will inspire anyone looking to start a family business or break into real estate investing.Connect with Real Estate Corral: Facebook Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/cliffordthecowboycloserInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/cliffordthecowboycloser/YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@CliffordTheCowboyCloserClifford's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Roadmap-Success-Driver-Estate-Investor/dp/B0BCZTFKSD/🕐 TIMESTAMPS:[00:00] Welcome & Introductions - We meet the Walkers[01:00] From Truck Driver to Real Estate - The Origin Story[03:00] The Secret Sauce - Why Service Beats Sales[06:00] Creating Win-Win Situations in Real Estate[08:30] Brandy's Transition from Teaching to Real Estate[09:30] Discovering Each Other's "Cowboy" Tendencies[12:00] The Challenge of Delegation in Family Business[13:30] Making Business Fun During Volatile Times[16:00] Personal Growth Through Entrepreneurship[18:00] Why Most Business is About Solving Problems[20:00] Staying Present During Difficult Seasons[22:00] Business as Personal Development Vehicle[25:00] Learning from Community Members[27:00] Managing Revenue Volatility in Real Estate[30:00] Division of Roles & Playing to Strengths[31:00] The Ice Cream Strategy for Difficult Conversations[33:00] What's Next - Publishing & Scaling Impact[35:00] Nationwide Community Building

Hey everyone! In this episode of Celebrating Small Family Businesses, Connie and I sit down with our friends Ron and Lori Genna from Hudson Duct Cleaning in Hudson, Florida to showcase their passion in action!We've known Ron and Lori through networking groups for some time and are happy customers of their business. They share the fascinating story of how they started their duct sanitizing business about four and a half years ago, right around the time COVID hit. Ron explains how his networking connection with Dan Chapman led him from Uber driving to owning a limited partnership in this innovative business that focuses on sanitizing rather than traditional duct cleaning.What makes their approach special is they don't use the typical brushes and vacuum systems - instead they use a sanitizing method that kills mold, bacteria, fungus, and viruses. Ron and Lori share some amazing success stories from customers who've experienced significant health improvements after getting their ducts sanitized.Learn about their entrepreneurial background in real estate investing, how they've identified their complementary business roles, and their expansion into commercial properties. They also discuss the serious health impacts of mold exposure and why proper duct sanitization is so important for your health.Check out Hudson Duct Cleaning at hudsonductcleaning.com or call them at (727) 755-8060.0:00 Introduction to Ron and Lori Genna3:40 From Uber to Duct Sanitizing Business6:50 Starting the Business During COVID7:40 Their Unique Sanitizing Approach11:50 Customer Success Stories20:30 Background in Real Estate Investing23:35 Complementary Business Roles33:20 Health Impacts of Mold Exposure37:10 Expansion into Commercial Properties#SmallBusinessPodcast #FamilyBusiness #DuctCleaning #MoldPrevention #HealthyHome #FloridaBusiness #EntrepreneurStories #AirQuality #COVID19Business

🎙️ Join us for an inspiring conversation with Alex and Jessica Fortis, owners of Exclusive Cleaning Services in Orlando! This dynamic husband-and-wife team shares their journey from corporate careers to building a thriving commercial cleaning business that truly puts people first.Alex and Jessica's story is a masterclass in how to transition thoughtfully from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. Starting as a side hustle in 2018, they've grown to a team of 31 employees, all while maintaining their commitment to excellence and genuine care for their people.What we love most about their approach is how they've created a culture of growth and development. From their robust six-step training program to Alex's heartfelt commitment to providing opportunities for others, you'll hear how they're redefining what it means to be not just business owners, but true leaders who lift others up.Highlights include:- How they made the leap from corporate careers (Alex in construction, Jessica in banking)- Their unique approach to dividing responsibilities as a couple in business- The power of understanding your role as a visionary or integrator- Their faith-based approach to business growth- How they've built systematic processes while keeping heart at the center- Their exciting new venture: the "Married to the Hustle" podcastWhether you're running a family business, thinking of starting one, or just love seeing how great leadership can transform lives, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Don't miss Alex and Jessica's powerful message about building a business that serves both its clients and its team members with excellence!Visit them at: ExclusiveCleaningSvcs.comCheck out Jessica's coaching at: jessrosario.comListen to their podcast: Married to the Hustle00:00 Welcome to Celebrating Small Family Businesses00:23 From New York to Florida: The Journey Begins01:41 Starting Exclusive Cleaning Services02:07 Jessica's Banking Background and Transition03:55 Navigating the Janitorial Industry05:52 Roles and Responsibilities in the Business07:51 Vision and Strategy: Working Together17:27 Challenges and Growth21:51 Vision and Execution: Who Holds the Vision?24:25 Training and SOPs: Building a Skilled Team28:10 Hiring Process: Finding the Right Fit29:32 Lessons Learned: Working Together34:12 Challenges of Building a Business35:43 Future Plans: Vision for Growth38:03 Podcast and Mentorship: Married to the Hustle39:31 Conclusion and Farewell#FamilyBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #CouplesInBusiness

In this episode of Celebrating Small Family Businesses, we honor the Fred Martin Welding Company, founded by Fred Martin in 1938. Marty Martin, a third-generation welder now at the helm, shares the rich history and evolution of the business. Marty and his wife Kelly delve into the family dynamics, challenges, and triumphs of running a small family business. From their unique craft projects to their community-driven approach, the Martins exemplify dedication and resilience. We also touch on the integration of their son Luke into the business, ensuring the legacy continues. Join us for an insightful conversation filled with inspiring stories and valuable lessons.Learn more at https://www.martinweldingatl.com/If you're in Atlanta, stop by and check out the gift shop!Follow them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/fredmartinweldingco/Follow their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/p/Fred-Martin-Welding-Co-Inc-100063470026003/00:00 Introduction to Fred Martin Welding Company00:22 Founding and Early History01:35 Transition to the Second Generation02:02 Marty's Journey in the Business04:02 Kelly's Role and Family Dynamics04:31 Challenges and Lessons Learned06:58 Working Together as a Couple09:22 The Next Generation: Luke's Involvement09:58 Adapting to Modern Times16:26 Community and Employee Contributions19:00 Future Prospects and Conclusion

Marc-John Brown and Erika Huarcaya share their inspirational journey of creating Native Wisdom Hub, a business that intertwines indigenous wisdom with modern life experiences. The podcast delves into the profound impact of their personal stories, which shaped their mission to celebrate and preserve ancestral knowledge. MJ recounts how a transformative hitchhiking trip in South America introduced him to indigenous cultures, ultimately leading to his meeting with Erika, who comes from a rich lineage of Quechua traditions. Together, they explore themes of spirituality, connection to nature, and the importance of community in their lives and business. Erika's unique perspective as a lineage holder allows her to offer cacao ceremonies that not only serve as a healing practice but also reconnect individuals with their roots and inner selves. The cacao, described as a “heart opener,” plays a vital role in their business and serves as a bridge connecting clients to the rich traditions of South America. MJ expands on the prophecy of the Eagle and Condor, illustrating the balance between intellect and emotional wisdom, which is essential for personal and professional growth. Their discussion highlights the importance of empathy in leadership and the need for modern business practices to integrate emotional intelligence alongside analytical skills.Learn more at https://www.nativewisdomhub.com/

The Clarks’ story offers a unique perspective on the intersection of family and business, as Mark and Joe Clark discuss their telecommunications venture, ContinuousTouch. Mark’s career at AT&T is a significant focal point, where he gained invaluable experience managing communications for major corporations. His transition from a corporate environment to entrepreneurship highlights the lessons learned in the corporate world that have been instrumental in shaping Continuous Touch's operational success. The company started with a niche market, providing VoIP solutions to John Deere dealers, and has since grown into a prominent service provider across multiple states, showcasing their adaptability and commitment to evolving technologies. The father-son duo delves into the operational aspects that make their business thrive, particularly the significance of compliance and vendor management. Mark shares his philosophy on negotiating contracts, emphasizing the importance of having clear remedies in place to ensure accountability. This principle not only protects their business interests but also fosters strong relationships with their vendors. Joe, on the other hand, focuses on customer support, illustrating how retaining clients is far more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. Their strategies for maintaining high customer satisfaction rates and the role of technology in enhancing service delivery are discussed, providing valuable insights for small business owners. The episode further explores the emotional dynamics of working together as family, revealing how their professional relationship has brought them closer. Joe’s reflections on the ease of scheduling and collaboration with his father emphasize the unique advantages of family businesses, where personal connections enhance teamwork. As they look to the future, the Clarks express excitement about incorporating AI into their services, aiming to streamline processes and improve customer experiences. This forward-thinking approach positions Continuous Touch at the forefront of technological advancements in telecommunications, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly changing market. You can reach them at their company website, https://continuoustouch.com/00:00 Introduction to ContinuousTouch00:36 Mark's Journey from AT&T to ContinuousTouch03:44 Early Days of VOIP and Business Expansion07:13 Family Dynamics in Business08:13 Remote Work and Cloud-Based Operations10:06 Vendor Management and Corporate Lessons14:03 Family Bond and Business Strength18:15 Reflections and Future Plans22:57 Exploring AI and Future Innovations25:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The story behind Spotz Gelato is a remarkable example of how passion and perseverance can lead to entrepreneurial success. Beth Richardson and Philip Enlow embarked on their gelato journey after a memorable vacation introduced them to the rich flavors of authentic Italian gelato.Upon returning to Kentucky, they were inspired to recreate that delicious experience, leading them to experiment with gelato-making in their home kitchen. This initial spark of creativity blossomed into a full-fledged business as they recognized the potential of their unique offerings.Their commitment to sourcing local ingredients not only enhanced their product but also leveraged their network of support among local farmers, reflecting their dedication to community and sustainability.As they share their journey, Beth and Philip delve into the realities of running a small business, including the challenges they faced in transitioning from corporate careers to entrepreneurship.They discuss the importance of adaptability and learning from mistakes, highlighting how they navigated the complexities of food regulations and the management of a predominantly young workforce. Their insights into staffing and training reveal the intricate balance required to maintain quality while fostering a supportive environment for their employees—many of whom are experiencing their first job.From humble beginnings with a food truck to now operating five stores and eight food trucks, Spotz Gelato has made a significant impact on the Louisville community. Beth and Philip's story embodies the essence of small family businesses, illustrating that with hard work, a willingness to learn, and a passion for what you do, it is possible to create something truly special.Their journey is filled with valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs about the importance of community, the art of developing employees, and the joy of following one’s dreams.Takeaways:Beth and Philip transitioned from corporate jobs to owning a gelato business after discovering gelato on vacation.Their journey started with a hobby farm, leading them to integrate local ingredients into their gelato.The couple learned to adapt quickly during the COVID pandemic, making tough decisions about store locations.They emphasize the importance of flexibility in entrepreneurship, often encountering unexpected challenges daily.Beth and Philip developed a comprehensive training program to effectively onboard their teenage staff members.Financial preparedness is crucial, as businesses often take longer to become profitable than anticipated.Visit their website at https://www.spotzgelato.com/ to learn more and find their 5 Scoop Shops in Shelbyville, Versailles, Midway, Georgetown, and LaGrange, KY.00:00 Introduction to Spotz Gelato00:24 From Corporate Life to Farming02:04 Discovering Gelato02:56 Building the Gelato Business03:43 Challenges and Regulations08:04 Expanding to Brick and Mortar10:01 Working Together as a Couple12:56 Staffing and Management19:14 Seasonal Business Insights22:27 The Unique Taste of Gelato23:21 Expanding in Small Towns25:05 Creating a Community Experience26:28 Working Together as a Couple27:54 Advice for Family Businesses30:09 Navigating COVID Challenges35:31 Importance of Data and Numbers39:09 Training and Staff Development42:17 Family Involvement in the Business43:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

David and Ethan Sanborn, a father-son duo, have created Kiid Coffee, a unique beverage designed specifically for children. This episode delves into their entrepreneurial journey, highlighting Ethan's inspiration behind the product and their collaborative efforts in developing a nutritious decaf coffee that caters to kids. Ethan, at just eight years old, expresses his desire to start a business and earn some money, showcasing the innocence and ambition of youth. His father, David, shares insights into the challenges they faced in ensuring the coffee was suitable for children, particularly regarding the caffeine content, taste, and nutritional value. The conversation reveals the importance of understanding children’s needs and preferences in product development, as well as the Sanborns’ commitment to creating a healthy alternative to traditional coffee drinks.Throughout the discussion, David emphasizes how the product emerged from a personal journey of health and wellness. After Ethan experienced two broken legs, the family reassessed their approach to nutrition, leading them to discover gaps in children’s vitamin intake. They realized that many kids lacked essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, prompting them to formulate a drink that not only tastes good but also provides nutritional benefits. This episode serves not only as a celebration of a small family business but also as a lesson in the importance of listening to children and responding to their needs in a thoughtful way.The episode further explores the nature of entrepreneurship, particularly in the context of family-run businesses. David shares candid reflections on the learning process, mistakes made along the way, and the significance of customer feedback in refining their product. Their journey illustrates the power of innovation driven by personal experience, as well as the potential for familial collaboration in navigating the challenges of starting a business. Kiid Coffee stands as a testament to how a simple idea can evolve into a meaningful product that resonates with both children and parents, highlighting the broader theme of nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.Find 3 flavors of Kiid Coffee at their website, https://kiidcoffee.com or on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/KiidCoffee/page/55ADAF21-DA53-411C-BB62-DB9B42E0E2F3Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Kiid Coffee00:23 Ethan's Inspiration and Love for Coffee01:27 Creating a Kid-Friendly Coffee02:11 Taste Testing and Family Involvement02:55 Balancing Business and Family Life10:49 Health and Wellness Journey15:18 Developing Nutritional Products21:01 Embracing Sweets in Moderation21:32 The Benefits and Risks of Caffeine21:50 Marketing to Kids: The Colorful Appeal22:20 Addressing Concerns About Kids and Coffee22:49 Health Benefits of Coffee and Caffeine24:51 Personal Stories: Coffee's Impact on Families26:44 Exploring Natural and Synthetic Ingredients31:58 The Journey of Starting Kiid Coffee33:47 The Importance of Customer Feedback38:00 Marketing Strategies and Brand Storytelling41:31 Supporting Small Businesses42:44 Where to Find Kiid Coffee

In this episode of Celebrating Small Family Businesses, we welcome the dynamic duo of Nikki Bilou and Theresa Dugwell.We dive deep into their impressive backgrounds—Theresa's clinical psychology expertise, three Guinness World Records, and bestselling fitness books; and Nikki's ten published books, including two New York Times bestsellers, and his extensive podcast history.Together, they share insights from running eCircle Academy, where they train coaches to grow their practices. We explore how Theresa's extensive experience working within Tony Robbins' organization and her world record achievements shape her coaching, alongside Nikki's inspirational journey from immigrant to advocate for entrepreneurs.They also reveal the intricacies of how they balance their business and personal relationships, and share powerful client success stories and wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs.Their website is https://www.ecircleacademy.com/Nicky's podcasts are:The Thought Leader Revolution at https://www.thethoughtleaderrevolution.com/ and The Sovereign Man at https://www.sovereignman.ca/podcastConnect with Theresa through the eCircle Academy website or her LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresadugwell/00:00 Introduction to the Power Couple: Nikki Billou and Theresa Dugwell01:46 Theresa's Journey to Guinness World Records04:21 Nikki's Inspirational Background and Family Legacy05:33 The Importance of Freedom and Entrepreneurship13:12 Theresa's Insights from Tony Robbins Organization20:07 Balancing Business and Personal Life25:47 The Power of Listening26:35 Complementary Strengths in Business28:13 Success Story: Dr. Dia's Transformation30:54 The Importance of Belief and Messaging32:50 Cook vs. Chef: Creating Extraordinary Experiences37:34 Balancing Roles in Business and Life38:42 Success Story: Carl Kramer's Journey44:03 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom

In this episode of Celebrating Small Family Businesses, we explore the story of Donna Peterson and her company, World Innovators, a B2B marketing firm founded by her mother 43 years ago.Donna shares the company's evolution from postal mailing lists to a full-service marketing agency, emphasizing the value of personal relationships and adapting to technological changes like email in the 1980's and AI in the 2020's.She also discusses the dynamics of working with family, including her husband and daughter’s roles, and offers insights into the importance of effective communication and speaking skills through organizations like Toastmasters.Tune in to hear how World Innovators maintains a leading role in the industrial marketing space and prepares for the future with its unique family-oriented approach.Learn more about World Innovators at https://www.worldinnovators.com/ and listen to their podcast at https://www.worldinnovators.com/b2bmarketingexcellenceWatch and learn on the World Innovations YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WorldInnovatorsConnect with Donna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnaapeterson/00:00 Introduction to Celebrating Small Family Businesses00:03 Meet Donna Peterson and World Innovators01:13 The Early Days of World Innovators03:26 Transition to Digital Marketing04:45 The Importance of Personal Connections08:32 Family Dynamics in Business12:17 Balancing Family and Business Roles14:39 The Value of Understanding Marketing History17:18 Incorporating AI in Marketing18:34 Corporate vs. Family Business Dynamics19:06 Crafting a Unique Brand Story19:55 Finding the Right Clients21:10 Specializing in Industrial B2B Marketing22:55 High-Stakes Equipment Decisions26:15 Balancing Risk and Conservatism30:10 The Value of External Experience34:31 The Importance of Communication Skills38:07 Future Plans and AI Integration40:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of 'Celebrating Small Family Businesses,' we explore the fascinating business journey of Kyle and Jojo Struebing, founders of Altered States Wellness.Discover how they transitioned from corporate sales at tech giants like Microsoft and HP to successful franchise owners in the wellness industry and then into creating their own franchise concept.They share their experiences rebranding from a CBD franchise to a comprehensive wellness studio, incorporating services like float therapy, infrared saunas, and more.Kyle and Jojo discuss the challenges they faced, the importance of starting small, the mental resilience required, and the strategies they employed to build and maintain their business.Learn about how they leveraged their previous experience and their relationship to lend them the strength to work 16 hour days for weeks at a time when necessary.This insightful conversation offers valuable lessons for all entrepreneurs and family business owners.Read more in this article: Texas Lifestyle Magazine article: https://texaslifestylemag.com/lifestyle/5-holistic-therapies-at-altered-states-wellness-center-to-transform-your-mind-and-body/Here's how you can reach them:Altered States website: https://alteredstateswellness.com/Instagram: https://instagram.com/alteredstateswellnessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altered-states-wellness/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannstruebing/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=6155914744079700:00 Introduction to Kyle and Jojo Struebing01:04 The Journey from Corporate to Franchising03:31 Challenges and Innovations in CBD Business07:19 Expanding into Float Therapy09:09 Diversifying Wellness Services13:21 Lessons Learned and Business Philosophy15:11 Working Together as Partners17:19 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship20:24 Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs21:44 Micro Goals and Business Expansion22:20 Transitioning from Franchisee to Franchisor23:14 Building a Franchise System24:37 Mental Resilience and Confidence26:27 Launching the Franchise28:03 Training and Support for Franchisees28:56 Balancing Family and Business31:52 Sales Strategies and Personal Development38:37 Final Thoughts and Advice