Small Business Confidential

Mike Reilly
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40+ year business owner, Mike Reilly, shares the dirty secrets of owning your own small business.

  1. DEC 11

    It's Being A Leader.... Stupid. Lessons In Running An Organization.

    We break down how leadership, culture, and accountability drive success—using the Cleveland Browns as a case study—why creating a culture matters more than schemes and products 0:30 Mike opens the episode by defining what real leadership looks like — from small businesses to the Cleveland Browns — and why management matters more than schemes. 3:00 Mike uses Bill Walsh and the 49ers’ culture as a model for how winning organizations are built from top to bottom. 7:00 Brook explains why Kevin Stefanski was originally seen as the “safe hire” and why it’s now clear he has reached his coaching ceiling. 17:30 A’marri connects Browns discipline issues to real-world business leadership, stressing how small lapses compound into major failures. 28:45 Mike calls out Stefanski’s press conferences and the Browns’ lack of accountability, challenging ownership and media to demand real leadership.

    43 min

  2. OCT 17

    Production Is Required in Managing Your Small Business and The Cleveland Browns

    Mike, Brook and A'marri talk about managing, leadership and the Cleveland Browns. There is irony in the statement from Kevin Stefanski's first press conference as The Browns coach, "Personality is welcome, production is required." as all we see is platitudes and "personality" in the Browns organization and no production. There is plenty to learn from this as the owner of a small business from how to confront bad attitudes and performance, addition by subtraction, walking the talk as a manager and more.  0:00 Mike opens the episode introducing the crossover topic of management and coaching — connecting leadership lessons between business and football. 2:45 Brook highlights the importance of confronting issues early, whether dealing with employees, customers, or players. 4:30 A’marri talks about setting firm boundaries and addressing problems in the moment to maintain authority and respect. 6:00 Mike compares management fairness in small businesses to accountability problems with the Cleveland Browns’ culture. 14:15 The team discusses Kevin Stefanski’s quote “Personality is welcome, production is required” — emphasizing real leadership through consistent results and accountability.

    38 min

  3. OCT 16

    Setting Goals, Scripting Plans

    Mike and Brook discuss setting your goal, setting your script, extreme ownership and connecting daily goals to your strategic goal for the year. Fail to plan, plan to fail. 02:15 Brook explains how planning and budgeting in everyday life applies to business and investing. 04:30 Mike and Brook discuss the savings from quitting smoking and the importance of measuring progress. 07:00 The team highlights why many investors don’t realize they’re losing money on rental properties. 10:15 Mike shares a story about a restaurant manager considering law school and how unconventional paths can create success. 20:30 Mike reflects on selling underperforming properties, repositioning into stronger assets, and the value of long-term awareness.

    36 min

  4. SEP 12

    How We're Using AI Both Personally And Professionally

    Mike, Brook, and A’Marri share how they personally and professionally use AI — from handling emails and financial reports to streamlining business processes and even creative work. 2:30 A’Marri explains how ChatGPT helps solve work problems and create podcast notes more efficiently. 5:30 Brook describes using AI for workout plans, financial schedules, and even relationship advice. 7:00 Mike compares the rise of AI to the early days of personal computers in the 1980s. 11:30 Discussion on how foremen and staff can use AI for drafting emails, organizing hours, and summarizing reports. 22:15 Brook and A’Marri wrap up with the importance of adapting to AI, its role in creative industries, and practical advice for anyone new to the technology.

    30 min

  5. SEP 1

    Where's My Money!

    Mike, Brook and A'marri talk about collections and problem customers. How do you collect the money owed to you? When to do a deposit or a prepay? How to make sure you don't run into the same problems with the same customers. 1:15 Mike kicks off the discussion on unpaid bills, asking Brook how to handle clients who don’t pay. 2:15 Brook shares prevention tactics like deposits, credit cards on file, and liens to secure payment. 4:00 A’marri emphasizes profiling customers and requiring upfront payments for newer clients. 6:00 Mike and A’marri explain the “status X” system to flag problem customers and avoid repeat issues. 15:15 The team wraps up with final thoughts on deposits, due diligence, and credit score consequences.

    21 min

  6. AUG 18

    Investing In Solar Power And Change

    Part 1 involves a meeting with Alex who works in consulting and providing solar energy for businesses. Part 2 is a recap and follow up from Brook and Amarri on what they would like to see in Cleveland Heights as young residents. 1:45 Mike lays out Cleveland Heights’ housing and vacancy problems, linking crime, retail decline, and lack of city action. 4:30 Discussion on eliminating point-of-sale inspections and instead enforcing property upkeep with fines. 7:30 Alex and Mike brainstorm new approaches for Severance and Medusa: solar-powered modular housing, hydroponics, and bold redevelopment. 10:00 Mike suggests using video storytelling to highlight problems like weed-filled lots and introduce Alex as a forward-thinking “energy guy.” 12:00 Brook and A’Marri reflect on local leadership drama, share frustrations as Cleveland Heights residents, and discuss priorities like potholes and vacant homes.

    30 min

  7. JUL 25

    The Young Resident's Perspective On The Cleveland Heights Mayor

    Brook and Amarri talk about what they are looking for from the new mayor of Cleveland Heights once they are elected. 2:30 Brook introduces the topic: what younger Cleveland Heights residents want in the next mayor, highlighting the need for action and better leadership. 5:00 Brook shares a personal story about how potholes affect daily life and how simple planning could fix them. 8:30 Brook and A’marri discuss Cleveland Heights' communication issues and how improving updates through calendars, email blasts, or social media could help. 11:45 Brook brings up the underutilized Severance Town Center, suggesting retail development or even repurposing it into a public park. 17:30 Brook and A’marri wrap up their thoughts, emphasizing the need for a proactive mayor focused on housing, infrastructure, and city revitalization.

    22 min

  8. JUL 18

    Voices On The Margins and Laura Real Change Hong

    Mike, Brook and A'marri talk about the mentality infecting a lot of Cleveland Heights residents that accepts the status quo and how the presence of Laura Hong who is running for mayor will hopefully shake things up. 1:30 Mike introduces the episode and explains why Cleveland Heights’ upcoming mayoral election is critical for local investors and property owners. 3:45 A’marri talks about the apathy residents have toward deteriorating areas in Cleveland Heights and the need for visible change. 6:00 Brook criticizes the city’s poor decisions like costly roundabouts, calling for practical leadership and budget priorities. 10:00 Mike shares Laura Hong’s professional background and why she represents a break from the city's stagnant leadership. 15:30 The team brainstorms a unique, issue-focused campaign strategy for Laura—featuring attention-grabbing yard signs that highlight local frustrations and demand real solutions.

    25 min
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About

40+ year business owner, Mike Reilly, shares the dirty secrets of owning your own small business.

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Reilly
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Small Business Confidential
  • Show Website
    Small Business Confidential