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. 3d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. May 12

    Comfortable In The Gray Zone | 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
See All (285)

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
    285
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Small Business Safari
  • Show Website
    The Small Business Safari

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