SCORE Houston's Podcast

SCORE Houston
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SCORE Houston is resource partner for US Small Business Administration. SCORE Houston’s seasoned mentors—former CEOs, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs—offer free, confidential support to help entrepreneurs succeed. Hear real stories, actionable advice, and insights on topics like resilience, adaptability, AI, and Houston’s evolving business landscape. Discover how tapping into SCORE’s collective wisdom can transform your entrepreneurial journey. 

  1. Episode 28: How to Use Digital Marketing and Social Media Marketing to Grow Your Local Business (Houston & Beyond)

    2 DAYS AGO

    Episode 28: How to Use Digital Marketing and Social Media Marketing to Grow Your Local Business (Houston & Beyond)

    Follow SCORE Houston Podcast on your favorite platform: 🎧 Apple Podcasts: Apple Podcasts tap Follow! 🎵 Spotify: Spotify — tap Follow! 📻 Amazon Music:  Amazon Music— tap Follow! ▶️ YouTube: YouTube — Subscribe and hit the bell! 💬 Share your thoughts: scorehoustonpodcast.blogspot.com" Are you a local business owner struggling to get customers online? This episode is for you. Every year, thousands of entrepreneurs open their doors — but stay invisible to 97% of their potential customers. In this episode, we break down a proven digital marketing and social media marketing strategy specifically designed for local business owners in their 30s and 40s who are done with the corporate grind and ready to grow. 🎯 What You'll Learn: Why your local business is invisible on Google — and how to fix it for freeHow to fully optimize your Google Business Profile to rank on page oneWhich social media platform is actually right for YOUR business (and why trying to be everywhere is killing you)The Give, Give, Give, Ask content framework to stop sounding like a used car salesmanHow a 5% increase in customer retention can grow profits by up to 95%Why SMS marketing gets a 98% open rate — and how to use itWhen (and only when) to spend money on Google Ads and Meta AdsA complete 30-day digital marketing sprint to go from invisible to fully bookedPractical Examples Covered: The episode walks through scenarios including: Senior care providers building local visibilityTutoring centers attracting families organicallyDaycares leveraging reviews for trust-buildingSalons choosing the right social media platformsThese illustrate common challenges local businesses face and practical solutions. ⏱️ Chapters: 0:00 – Why 97% of local businesses are invisible online0:45 – The block party analogy every entrepreneur needs to hear3:00 – Google Business Profile: your free foundation8:00 – Choosing the right social media platform for your business14:00 – The Give, Give, Give, Ask content strategy20:00 – Reviews, retention & SMS marketing28:00 – When to run paid ads (Google & Meta)35:00 – Your 30-day digital marketing sprintLet us know what you think of this episode. What subjects you would like us to cover in next episodes. Give your comments at https://scorehoustonpodcast.blogspot.com or write to pv.bala@scorevolunteer.org. Let us know what you like of this episode and suggest subjects on which you wish to know more.

    18 min
  2. Episode 27: Secure and Steady: Phylicia Hill on Growing a Cybersecurity Firm from the Ground Up.

    12 MAY

    Episode 27: Secure and Steady: Phylicia Hill on Growing a Cybersecurity Firm from the Ground Up.

    In this episode of the SCORE Houston Podcast, host PV Bala sits down with Phylicia Hill, Co-Founder and CEO/Managing Director of H5 Strategic Alliance — a Houston-based cybersecurity and IT professional services firm she co-founded with her husband James Hill in 2013. Phylicia shares her remarkable journey from a career in education and school administration to building a thriving cybersecurity company that serves enterprise clients across healthcare, financial services, and beyond. She opens up about the patience it took to grow the business over five years while working full-time, navigating Hurricane Harvey, and putting family first — all before going full-time in 2018. In this episode, you'll learn: How Phylicia merged her business acumen with her husband's deep technical expertiseWhy patience and preparation are the foundation of sustainable business growthHow the COVID-19 pandemic became a turning point that accelerated their growthThe unique talent model that powers H5's delivery across multiple statesHow small businesses can protect themselves from today's AI-driven cyber threatsWhy mentorship is non-negotiable for minority and women entrepreneursWhat's next for H5, including their new Ignite managed services platformWhether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a small business owner, or simply curious about the cybersecurity landscape, this conversation is packed with real-world wisdom and practical advice. Phylicia Hill was recognized as the SBA Houston District Minority Business Owner of the Year. About SCORE Houston Podcast: SCORE Houston brings you inspiring stories and actionable insights from successful entrepreneurs and business leaders in the Houston area. Subscribe for new episodes every week! Let us know what you think of this episode. What subjects you would like us to cover in next episodes. Give your comments at https://scorehoustonpodcast.blogspot.com or write to pv.bala@scorevolunteer.org. Let us know what you like of this episode and suggest subjects on which you wish to know more.

    32 min
  3. Episode 26: How a Grandmother's Kitchen Became a Multi-Location Catering Empire & 27 Vending Machines | Britany Vinson

    5 MAY

    Episode 26: How a Grandmother's Kitchen Became a Multi-Location Catering Empire & 27 Vending Machines | Britany Vinson

    She started with a piece of paper, a vision, and a rented church kitchen. Today, Britany Vinson runs three restaurant locations, 27 refrigerated vending machines, 33 employees, and a soon-to-be national franchise — all from East Texas. In this episode of Small Business Success Stories presented by SCORE Houston, host Dr. Jeffrey Ricken sits down with Britany Vinson, founder, owner, and head chef of Tome Catering — where TOME stands for The Ordinary Made Extraordinary. Brittany shares her raw, inspiring journey: from cooking at age 4 with her 98-year-old grandmother, to bootstrapping her business while working full-time to pivoting during COVID by turning 20 cars a day into 100+ through a drive-through she almost didn't build. What Brittany Said About the Power of Mentoring with SCORE: "I had a SCORE mentor— he had a restaurant, and he walked me through some things, helped mold me and shape me, gave me ideas through his story and things he'd done to build his business. That was instrumental." Britany credits free mentoring through SCORE and the SBA at Angelina College as a key turning point in building Tome into what it is today — proving that the right guidance at the right time can change everything. In this episode you'll learn: How Britany launched her catering business in 2008 with no outside fundingWhy she kept her day job for 3 years while building Tome from scratchHow a drive-through window she almost didn't install became her lifeline during COVIDThe story behind 27 refrigerated vending machines bringing fresh, home-cooked meals to hospitals, schools, and manufacturers across East TexasHow she earned 3 degrees — including culinary certification — with no days off for 2 yearsThe steps she took to legally franchise Tome for national expansionHer mindset on failure, faith, and feeding communities  Connect with SCORE Houston: 📞 713-487-6565 📍 8701 South Gesner, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77074 🕐 Mon–Fri, 10AM–2PM | Walk-ins welcome 🌐 www.score.org/houston Free mentoring. Real results. SCORE Houston is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Let us know what you think of this episode. What subjects you would like us to cover in next episodes. Give your comments at https://scorehoustonpodcast.blogspot.com or write to pv.bala@scorevolunteer.org. Let us know what you like of this episode and suggest subjects on which you wish to know more.

    27 min

  4. 28 APR

    Episode 25: Write Your Own Check: An Immigrant Entrepreneur's Journey Through Towing, Auto, and Beyond

    What does it take to build eight companies before the age of 30? In this episode of the SCORE Houston Podcast, host PV Bala sits down with Bahaa Elabbasi, SCORE Houston subject matter expert, who moved to the US from Lebanon at age 10, started washing cars at 13, and never stopped building. Bahaa shares the story behind his automotive empire — from a single tow truck to four car dealerships, mechanic shops, an in-house insurance agency, and a marketing firm — all built on one guiding principle his father taught him early: write your own check. In this conversation, you'll learn: How Bahaa scaled Texas Crown Towing to attract private equity investmentWhy owning every layer of your business (insurance, marketing, repairs) is a game changerHow he manages eight companies without being the bottleneckThe mindset shift from earning a paycheck to building ownershipHis next move: banking, investment, and a master's in financeWhether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an immigrant building your American dream, or a business owner looking to scale — this episode is for you. 🔔 Subscribe for more entrepreneur stories from SCORE Houston. Let us know what you think of this episode. What subjects you would like us to cover in next episodes. Give your comments at https://scorehoustonpodcast.blogspot.com or write to pv.bala@scorevolunteer.org. Let us know what you like of this episode and suggest subjects on which you wish to know more.

    27 min

  5. 21 APR

    Episode 24: Business Plan Basics: What Every First-Time Entrepreneur Needs to Know

    Why do most new businesses fail — and how does a business plan fix that? In this episode of the SCORE Houston Podcast, our mentors walk first-time entrepreneurs through everything they need to know about building a solid business plan — from market research and competitive analysis to pricing, cash flow projections, and financing options. Whether you're just starting to think about launching a business or you're ready to walk into a bank, this episode gives you the practical, no-nonsense foundation you need. What you'll learn: What a business plan actually is (and why it's not just for the bank)How to define your target customer and research your marketHow to analyze your competitionHow to price your product or service to actually make moneyThe truth about working capital and undercapitalizationHow SBA loans, equity, and debt financing workWhat banks really look at: cash flow, repayment, collateral, and creditWhy clean financial records and tax reporting matter from Day 1How SCORE Houston can help you — for free🔗 Get free mentoring from SCORE Houston: https://www.score.org  SCORE is a nonprofit resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration offering free, confidential business mentoring. Let us know what you think of this episode. What subjects you would like us to cover in next episodes. Give your comments at https://scorehoustonpodcast.blogspot.com or write to pv.bala@scorevolunteer.org. Let us know what you like of this episode and suggest subjects on which you wish to know more.

    20 min
  6. Episode 23: Starting Small, Thinking Big: How Nicole York Built a Thriving Beauty Studio

    14 APR

    Episode 23: Starting Small, Thinking Big: How Nicole York Built a Thriving Beauty Studio

    From One Room to Rural Business Owner of the Year | Nicole York | Small Business Success Stories.  What does it take to turn a personal struggle into a thriving business? Nicole York did exactly that — and her story will inspire you to bet on yourself. In this episode of Small Business Success Stories, hosted by Dr. Jeffrey Ricken — Certified SCORE Mentor and advocate for entrepreneurs across Houston and beyond — we sit down with Nicole York, founder of Desert Rose Beauty & Wellness in Lake Jackson, Texas. Nicole's journey began at age 12, battling cystic acne that no makeup could hide. By 16 she was working as a receptionist at a local salon, learning the industry from the ground up. Years later, she launched her own esthetics studio in a single room in 2019 — with no sign, no ad budget, and no outside funding. Then COVID hit. Rather than giving up, Nicole pivoted — becoming a brows and lashes specialist and building a 2-month waitlist through Instagram, word-of-mouth, and one simple philosophy: make every client feel truly seen. By 2022 she had expanded to a full-service studio with a team of estheticians and was named the Houston District Rural Business Owner of the Year by SBA. In this episode you'll learn: ✅ How to start a business with no outside funding ✅ How to grow organically through social media & word-of-mouth ✅ How to pivot your business during a crisis ✅ Why authenticity is your biggest competitive advantage ✅ How free SCORE mentorship helped shape Nicole's path Let us know what you think of this episode. What subjects you would like us to cover in next episodes. Give your comments at https://scorehoustonpodcast.blogspot.com or write to pv.bala@scorevolunteer.org. Let us know what you like of this episode and suggest subjects on which you wish to know more.

    24 min
  7. Episode 22: From a Kickstarter in Chile to 55 Countries: The re:3D Story with Samantha Snabes

    7 APR

    Episode 22: From a Kickstarter in Chile to 55 Countries: The re:3D Story with Samantha Snabes

    Samantha Snabes is the co-founder and CEO of re:3D, a bootstrapped Austin and Houston-based company that makes industrial-scale 3D printers — manufactured entirely in America. She's also an Air National Guard officer, a former NASA strategist, and the only woman CEO leading a US-based 3D printing hardware company. In this episode, Samantha shares with PV Bala, SCORE Mentor, how a group of friends turned a side project into a globally recognized manufacturing company — from forming an LLC on New Year's Eve to meet a Startup Chile deadline, to getting funded on Kickstarter in 27 hours, to earning multiple SBIR awards from the National Science Foundation. What you'll learn: How re:3D went from a living room to customers in 55+ countries without taking outside investmentWhy field research in Rwanda and Nicaragua shaped a product built for real-world impact, not hypeHow to navigate the SBIR grant process as a first-time applicant, including what to do when you miss the deadlineThe real trade-offs of bootstrapping a hardware company in America — from reinvesting every dollar of profit to maintaining a vertically integrated supply chainHow military service provides unexpected advantages in entrepreneurship, compliance, and leadership.Why printing from recycled plastic waste became both a social mission and a competitive differentiatorSamantha's advice for retired engineers and late-career entrepreneurs entering 3D printing and deep tech. Let us know what you think of this episode. What subjects you would like us to cover in next episodes. Give your comments at https://scorehoustonpodcast.blogspot.com or write to pv.bala@scorevolunteer.org. Let us know what you like of this episode and suggest subjects on which you wish to know more.

    35 min

  8. 31 MAR

    Episode 21: The Founder's Complete Map- 20 Episodes of Business Wisdom in One Masterclass

    What if you could skip the costliest mistakes in business — before you ever sign a lease or drain your savings? In this special compilation episode, we break down the best insights from 20 SCORE Houston mentorship sessions into one high-impact guide.  You'll learn the "Five Numbers Test" for validating any business idea, why most businesses die from working capital — not bad products, when to form an LLC (and why doing it too early wastes your money), how to build a bulletproof business plan — even if you're self-funded, creative funding strategies including SBA loans and retirement fund rollovers, low-risk sales tactics like the consignment hack and niche marketing, the surprising math behind buying an existing business versus starting from scratch, and the leadership shift every founder must make to scale beyond themselves.  Featuring wisdom from over 135 volunteer business mentors — retired executives, successful entrepreneurs, and industry veterans — this episode is your free masterclass in building, buying, and leading a business that lasts  Let us know what you think of this episode. What subjects you would like us to cover in next episodes. Give your comments at https://scorehoustonpodcast.blogspot.com or write to pv.bala@scorevolunteer.org. Let us know what you like of this episode and suggest subjects on which you wish to know more.

    26 min
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About

SCORE Houston is resource partner for US Small Business Administration. SCORE Houston’s seasoned mentors—former CEOs, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs—offer free, confidential support to help entrepreneurs succeed. Hear real stories, actionable advice, and insights on topics like resilience, adaptability, AI, and Houston’s evolving business landscape. Discover how tapping into SCORE’s collective wisdom can transform your entrepreneurial journey. 

Information

  • Creator
    SCORE Houston
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 SCORE Houston's Podcast
  • Show Website
    SCORE Houston's Podcast
  • Provider

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