The Small Business Safari

Chris Lalomia
  • 5.0 (32)
  • 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. 12H AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. MAY 12

    Comfortable In The Gray | Lisa Tilt

    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.com Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

    49 min

  4. MAY 5

    What Is A Lead | Dominic Carubba

    Send us Fan Mail If 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.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominiccarubba/ 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.com Sponsor: Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC! Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

    53 min

  5. APR 28

    Credit Is The Foundation | Gerri Detweiler

    Send us Fan Mail What 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.com Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

    51 min

  6. APR 21

    The Virtual Factory | Tino Go

    Send us Fan Mail What 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.com Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

    38 min

  7. APR 14

    Death To Voicemail | Alfredo Salkeld

    Send us Fan Mail TITLE: Death to Voicemail |Alfredo Salkeld What 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 Receptionist https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfredosalkeld/ 🌍 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!

    47 min

  8. APR 7

    What Running A Business Teaches You About Running A State | Brad Raffensperger

    Send us Fan Mail What 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.com Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

    53 min
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5
out of 5
32 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
    282
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Small Business Safari
  • Show Website
    The Small Business Safari

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