The Small Business Safari

Chris Lalomia
  • 5.0 (33)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Have you ever sat there and wondered "What am I doing here stuck in the concrete zoo of the corporate world?" Are you itching to get out? Chris Lalomia and his co-host Alan Wyatt traverse the jungle of entrepreneurship. Together they share their stories and help you explore the wild world of SCALING your business. With many years of owning their own small businesses, they love to give insight to the aspiring entrepreneur. So, are you ready to make the jump?

  1. 2d ago

    You Can't Read the Label from Inside the Jar | Dusty Holcomb

    Send us Fan Mail Your team probably doesn't have an execution problem—it has a clarity problem. Leadership consultant Dusty Holcomb explains why alignment beats effort every time. Summary: You can feel it when a team is drifting. The numbers point to execution, but the real issue is often something leaders overlook: clarity and alignment. In this episode, Chris Lalomia and Alan Wyatt sit down with leadership consultant and CEO mentor Dusty Holcomb to explore what separates high-performing teams from frustrated ones—and how business owners can create an environment where people consistently make better decisions, even when the boss isn't in the room. Dusty shares practical leadership lessons from years of coaching CEOs, including why the best leaders answer five critical questions for every employee, the difference between managing people and truly leading them, and how written "Rules of Engagement" create trust, accountability, and faster decision-making for in-person and remote teams alike. The conversation also dives into the personal side of entrepreneurship, including CEO loneliness, the value of mastermind and peer groups, building a business plan that's flexible enough to evolve, and adopting the mindset of "we get to do this" instead of "we have to do this." Finally, Dusty explains how business owners can use AI and emerging agentic AI tools to increase leverage without losing the human side of leadership. Whether you lead a home service company, a growing small business, or any team that's ready for the next level, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can implement immediately. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari 💡 GOLD NUGGETS Why clarity—not effort—is the biggest missing ingredient in struggling teams.The five questions every employee needs answered to give discretionary effort.The difference between being a manager and becoming a true leader.How "Rules of Engagement" improve communication, accountability, and decision-making.Why mastermind groups help CEOs overcome isolation and become better leaders.Building a strategic plan without becoming trapped by it.Reframing entrepreneurship from "have to" into "get to."Practical ways AI can help leaders save time and think more strategically.🔗 Guest Links Website: https://arcusgroup.comFree Rules of Engagement Playbook: https://myrulesofengagement.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustyholcomb🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari Instagram: @smallbusinesssafaripodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomiaWebsite: https://chrislalomia.comIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who's working to build a stronger team and become a better leader. Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

    47 min

  2. Jun 30

    The Dirty Truth About Building a Cleaning Business | Vanessa Higgins

    Send us Fan Mail Everyone thinks starting a cleaning business is "just hard work"—until you're juggling hiring, scheduling, customer expectations, supplies, cash flow, and quality control all at the same time. On this episode of The Small Business Safari, Chris Lalomia and co-host Alan Wyatt sit down with Vanessa Higgins, founder of Clean Tu Casa, to uncover what it really takes to build a premium cleaning company serving residential homes, commercial clients, and Airbnb properties across Atlanta. Vanessa shares how her corporate marketing background helped her create repeatable systems, build a trusted brand, and deliver an exceptional customer experience from day one. She explains why investing in coaching accelerated her growth, the lessons she learned transitioning from B2B to B2C, and why every owner should understand the work before expecting others to do it well. The conversation dives into the operational side of running a successful service business—from pricing, invoicing, profit margins, and team culture to communication that keeps both customers and employees confident. Along the way, Chris, Alan, and Vanessa swap unforgettable stories, including Airbnb turnover disasters, bizarre cleaning discoveries, and an unexpected fugitive arrest that proves no two jobs are ever the same. Whether you own a cleaning company or any home service business, this episode delivers practical strategies, plenty of laughs, and real-world lessons on building a company that lasts. 💡 Gold Nuggets  Building repeatable systems that support growth  Creating a premium brand through exceptional customer service  Why coaching beats learning everything the hard way  Residential vs. commercial cleaning: key operational differences  The invoicing mistake that can destroy cash flow  Building a strong team culture and clear communication  Using AI to support commercial operations  Giving back through Cleaning for a Reason Airbnb turnover challenges and memorable job-site stories  Growing through larger commercial contracts and acquisitions 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari 🔗 Guest Links Website: https://cleantucasa.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessacleantucasa 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari  Instagram: @smallbusinesssafaripodcast  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia Website: https://chrislalomia.comIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another small business owner. Your support helps us continue bringing practical business advice and inspiring entrepreneurial stories to the Small Business Safari. Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

    47 min

  3. Jun 23

    From Prison To Purposeful Entrepreneurship | Fleet Maull

    Send us Fan Mail  What do you do when your biggest mistake costs you 14 years in federal prison? Fleet Maull turned that experience into the foundation for building a successful business, a life of purpose, and a mindset every entrepreneur can learn from. SUMMARY: In this powerful episode of The Small Business Safari, Chris and Alan sit down with Fleet Maull, entrepreneur, author, mindfulness teacher, and Inc. 5000 business founder, to explore the extraordinary journey from federal prison to business success. Fleet shares how radical responsibility, self-awareness, and nervous system regulation helped him rebuild his life after incarceration and create opportunities where most people would only see obstacles. We dive into practical lessons for business owners, including overcoming imposter syndrome, leading under pressure, managing stress, and navigating today's increasingly distracted and polarized world. Fleet also explains why AI is creating unprecedented opportunities for entrepreneurs and shares a simple breathing technique that can help you think more clearly, stay calm, and make better decisions. Whether you're trying to scale a business, overcome setbacks, or simply become a more effective leader, this conversation offers actionable insights you can put to work immediately. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari 💡 GOLD NUGGETS  • How Fleet transformed a 14-year prison sentence into a masterclass in personal growth  • The power of radical responsibility in business and life  • Building a successful consulting business after prison at age 50  • Why nervous system regulation is a competitive advantage for leaders  • Straw breathing: a simple technique to reduce stress and improve decision-making  • Managing anger, distraction, and polarization in today's world  • How AI is lowering barriers and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs  • Moving from overwhelmed operator to strategic CEO 🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://heartmind.co • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fleet-maull-13306812b 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia • Website | https://chrislalomia.com If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who could benefit from Fleet's remarkable story and practical leadership lessons. Every entrepreneur faces setbacks—this episode shows what's possible when you take ownership of what happens next. Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

    47 min

  4. Jun 16

    We Can Build A Better Way To Pick Candidates | Tom Joseph

    Send us Fan Mail What if the problem isn’t the candidates—it’s the system that keeps producing them? Summary: Tom Joseph, entrepreneur, engineer, and founder of Bookminders, joins Small Business Safari to discuss a bold idea for election reform: America’s Main Street Party. Rather than trying to change the existing political parties, Tom proposes a parallel, app-based nominating system designed to give voters more influence and reduce the power of donors, party insiders, and gerrymandered districts. We explore how the platform would guide voters through multiple rounds of candidate selection, from issue-based matching and narrowing the field to virtual town halls and final voting. Tom shares why he believes technology, alternative voting methods, and citizen engagement could create a more representative process. Beyond politics, Tom draws from his 35 years building Bookminders, sharing lessons on leadership, financial discipline, and creating a company culture that puts people first. We also discuss the challenges of marketing a movement, earning media attention, and using storytelling through his Wilson’s Fountain project to bring history and civic engagement to life. If you've ever felt frustrated by politics but wondered whether there are practical alternatives, this episode offers a thought-provoking conversation about what reform could look like. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari 💡 Gold Nuggets  • Why gerrymandered districts often produce more extreme candidates  • How a parallel nominating process could increase voter influence  • The five-stage framework behind America’s Main Street Party  • The role of approval voting and ranked-choice style systems  • What mobile voting security could look like in the future  • Why Tom believes funding should support voters’ choices, not party agendas  • The Bookminders growth philosophy built on cash-flow visibility and accountability  • A leadership lesson every business owner can use: protect your employees, even if it means firing a client 🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://mainstreetparty.org • Petition & Information: Available through MainStreetParty.org • Wilson’s Fountain: https://wilsonsfountain.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomsjoseph 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram: @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia • Website: https://chrislalomia.com Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

    48 min

  5. Jun 9

    AI Is A Butt-Kissing Employee And Other Lessons Learned | James Lang

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when your packed calendar disappears overnight—and you're forced to figure out who you are without the chaos? SUMMARY: James Lang joins The Small Business Safari to share a candid story of hypergrowth, an unexpected business exit, and the personal reset that followed. After building in the fast-paced med-tech world, a shareholder power play forced James off the roller coaster and into an uncomfortable season of reflection. He opens up about the emotional impact of losing the identity tied to being a CEO, the health challenges that changed his perspective, and the lessons he learned about resilience when life refused to follow the plan. We also dive deep into AI for small business owners, separating practical applications from the hype. James shares real-world examples of conversational AI, customer intake automation, insurance claim support, and operational tools that help teams work smarter—not replace people. If you're trying to understand where AI can genuinely improve your business and how to avoid expensive mistakes, this episode delivers a practical roadmap. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari 💡 GOLD NUGGETS  • Why hypergrowth can become an addiction for business owners  • The unexpected shareholder move that ended a CEO chapter overnight  • Navigating the emotional crash after leaving a high-pressure leadership role  • How a health scare reshaped priorities and future goals  • Practical AI applications that save time and improve customer experiences  • Using AI intake systems to eliminate repetitive calls and wasted labor  • Why AI should increase team capacity, not replace great employees  • How to spot AI vendors who understand strategy versus those selling hype  • Building AI solutions that produce ROI without massive budgets 🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://www.overlang.com • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-lang-94329271 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia • Website | https://chrislalomia.com Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

    48 min

  6. Jun 2

    Unscramble The Egg And Save Your Sanity | Marcia Riner

    Send us Fan Mail Most small business owners say they want to scale—but what they really want is relief. Less chaos, more profit, and a business that doesn't depend on them every minute of every day. Summary Marcia Riner, business growth strategist, profitability expert, and host of Profit With A Plan, joins Chris and Alan to break down what it really takes to grow a business without burning out. Drawing inspiration from an unexpected source—the world-class customer experience at The Masters—Marcia explains how consistent systems, brand standards, and operational excellence allow businesses to charge premium prices and create loyal customers. The conversation dives into one of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs: becoming the bottleneck in their own company. Marcia shares practical strategies for identifying where growth has stalled, delegating responsibilities, documenting processes, and creating a business that can thrive without constant owner involvement. We also explore the role of AI in small business, from improving SOPs and scheduling to increasing margins and operational efficiency. Finally, Marcia explains what makes a business truly valuable and how owners can build a profitable company they enjoy today while preparing for a successful future exit. Whether you're running a home service company, professional practice, or growing local business, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you scale smarter. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari 💡 GOLD NUGGETS   Why The Masters provides a blueprint for customer experience and brand excellence  How premium experiences justify premium pricing  The hidden ways founders become growth bottlenecks  Simple steps to delegate and reclaim your time  Using AI to improve operations, efficiency, and profitability  Building systems that make your business owner-independent  What buyers look for when valuing a business 🔗 Guest Links  Website: https://profitbooster.biz Podcast: Profit With A Plan  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marciarinerwww.infiniteprofitconsulting.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!

    47 min

  7. May 26

    Don't Lose Money Before the Job Starts | Steve Lange

    Send us Fan Mail You can spot a contractor who’s about to lose money before they ever swing a hammer. It starts with the tiny details — the wrong door size, a missed window spec, or a supplier who never asks, “Are you sure about that?” What separates great contractors from the ones constantly losing money on jobs? Often, it comes down to the details — and the partnerships behind them. Steve Lange from Randall Brothers joins us to break down how strong supplier relationships help remodelers avoid costly mistakes, navigate volatile markets, and build businesses that last. From learning the building supply business at $7.25 an hour to leading a high-performing outside sales operation, Steve shares what really happens behind the scenes in contractor sales, inside sales, and customer support. We unpack the painful lessons from the 2008 housing crash, the chaos of COVID-era material pricing, and the signals smart contractors should watch in today’s market. We also dive into solution selling, setting customer expectations, leadership during crisis moments, and why the best reps aren’t just order takers — they’re trusted partners who protect contractors from expensive errors before they happen. If you’re in construction, remodeling, home improvement, or contractor sales, this episode is packed with practical insights on profitability, customer service, and surviving a changing housing market. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari 💡 GOLD NUGGETS  Why nominal vs. actual measurements cost contractors thousands  The hidden role inside sales plays when the counter gets chaotic  Lessons learned from surviving the 2008 construction collapse  How remodelers can thrive in today’s “opportunity market”  Managing material price volatility after COVID  Why listening and expectation-setting win more business  The difference between order takers and true solution sellers  How great companies step up during community crises 🔗 Guest Links  Randall Brothers: https://randallbrothers.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-lange-b158aa42🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari  Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia Website | https://chrislalomia.com Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

    51 min

  8. May 19

    Why “Boring” Franchises Are Winning Big in the AI Era | Jon Ostenson

    Send us Fan Mail As AI reshapes white-collar jobs, more professionals are turning to recession-resistant franchise businesses that solve real-world problems and can’t be automated away Jon Ostenson of FranBridge Consulting joins The Small Business Safari to break down why some of the best business opportunities today are hiding in “non-sexy” franchises. From home services and senior care to pet services and B2B models, Jon explains why these businesses are thriving while many food franchises struggle with labor, margins, and operational chaos. Chris and Jon discuss how AI anxiety is pushing corporate professionals toward tangible businesses they can actually control, why “semi-absentee” ownership is often misunderstood, and how franchisees sabotage themselves by ignoring proven systems. Jon also shares how he evaluates franchisors beyond flashy branding, what realistic funding and profit expectations should look like, and why operational leadership matters more than hype. The conversation also dives into strategic planning using the Mount Everest metaphor and the importance of choosing a yearly focus word like “Ascend” to guide both business and personal growth. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari 💡 GOLD NUGGETS  Why non-food franchises often outperform restaurant concepts  The businesses AI can’t easily replace  What “semi-absentee” ownership actually means  How franchisees fail by refusing to follow systems  The Mount Everest framework for long-term planning  One business goal + one personal goal = better focus  Real franchise startup costs and funding paths  Why operators must be incentivized to scale successfully 🔗 Guest Links Website: https://franbridgeconsulting.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonostenson Book: Non-Food Franchising🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia Website | https://chrislalomia.com Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

    45 min
See All (288)

5
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

Have you ever sat there and wondered "What am I doing here stuck in the concrete zoo of the corporate world?" Are you itching to get out? Chris Lalomia and his co-host Alan Wyatt traverse the jungle of entrepreneurship. Together they share their stories and help you explore the wild world of SCALING your business. With many years of owning their own small businesses, they love to give insight to the aspiring entrepreneur. So, are you ready to make the jump?

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Lalomia
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    288
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Small Business Safari
  • Show Website
    The Small Business Safari

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