Locally Owned

The Street Smart Entrepreneur
  • 5.0 (10)
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Locally Owned — We are the go-to podcast for small and medium-sized business (SMB) owners who want to master the art of goal setting and turn their visions into reality. Each episode dives into actionable strategies for achieving success, featuring interviews with real SMB owners who are in the trenches, getting it done. What makes us different is that we bring real local business owners to the show who are prepared to share stories of their business journey. You will hear real events and situations that they figured out how to overcome and thrive. Strategies that work for Fortune 500 companies are not actionable for local businesses. When you listen to an episode, you will learn how to set goals, implement effective business strategies, and overcome obstacles, stay motivated, and build bigger goals helping you reach your dream company. None of the ideas and strategies expressed here are out of reach to the local business owner. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, this podcast is packed with practical advice to help you achieve your goals.

  1. FEB 14

    Ep 31 The Lies We Believe About Why We Can't Achieve Our Goals

    6 Goal-Setting Myths Holding You Back (and the System That Actually Works) | Locally OwnedIn this episode of Locally Owned, the host breaks down six common myths that prevent people—especially small business owners—from achieving their goals and explains that success is driven by a clear vision and a repeatable system, not personality, luck, or constant motivation. The myths addressed are: goal setting is only for high achievers; failure means you shouldn’t try; people can be successful without goals; free information is enough so a course isn’t needed; goals require extreme discipline; and motivation must come before action. Using analogies like driving to California, using a GPS instead of a compass, and climbing Mount Everest, the host argues that failure is part of learning, progress creates motivation, and consistency with boring, repeatable actions is what produces results. The episode also includes a promotion for an online goal-setting website and course the host is building based on the system used to grow, scale, and sell a company and to train employees, featuring tools, exercises, community support, weekly live Q&A, and workshop-style cohorts; the first three modules are offered free via yougoalmind.com. The episode closes by emphasizing that the goal is not just to achieve more, but to become more of who you are created to be, and encourages listeners to start taking small steps immediately.00:00 6 Goal-Setting Myths That Keep You Stuck (Intro)00:58 Myth #1: Goal Setting Isn’t Just for “High Achievers”02:10 Myth #2: “What If I Fail?” — Why Failure Is Part of the Process03:30 Myth #3: Success Without Goals Can Cost You Everything05:12 Myth #4: Free Info Isn’t Enough — You Need a System (and a Guide)06:02 Course + Community: YourGoalMind.com (Quick Break)08:35 Back to the Myths: Myth #5 Discipline vs. Boring Consistency09:20 Myth #6: Motivation Is Unreliable—Action Creates Motivation10:25 The Real Truth: Clarity + Systems + Small Steps (Wrap-Up)11:45 Final Thanks & Sign-Off

    12 min

  2. FEB 9

    Ep 30. The Hidden Power Of Likability

    The Hidden Power of Likability in Business Success: Build Trust & LoyaltyIn this episode of 'Locally Owned,' we explore the concept of likability in business, emphasizing its role in building trust and customer loyalty. Through personal anecdotes and practical examples, we illustrate how being easy to work with, trustworthy, and communicative can enhance customer relationships and increase long-term business value. Discover actionable tips on creating rapport, being reliable, and making your business easy to engage with, ultimately driving repeat business and referrals. Learn why likability, though not on your balance sheet, might be your business's most valuable asset.00:00 Introduction: The Power of Likability in Business00:49 A Lesson in Likability: The Dripping Equipment Story03:36 Building Rapport: The Key to Business Success06:42 The Formula for Building Trust and Likability08:52 Practical Tips for Enhancing Customer Experience15:49 The Importance of Integrity in Business16:51 Conclusion: Creating Long-Term Business Value

    21 min

  3. JAN 29

    Ep 29 From 0 - 35 Clients a Week:How Austin Kirby Built His Dryer Vent Cleaning Business

    How Austin Kirby Built a Successful Dryer Vent Cleaning Business From Scratch | Unveil Your True PurposeWelcome to another episode of Locally Owned! Today, we dive into the inspirational journey of Austin Kirby, a hands-on entrepreneur who built a successful dryer vent cleaning business from scratch. Discover how a scripture from Jeremiah and a rejection of the nine-to-five hamster wheel propelled Austin towards his entrepreneurial dream. Follow Austin’s story from his early struggles and failed attempts to find a fit, to his eventual success with Kirby Dryer Vent Cleaning. Learn how his faith, attention to detail, and quality customer service turned a bucket and a snake brush into a thriving business. Timestamp your way through pivotal moments and entrepreneurial insights that any aspiring business owner can learn from. Time Stamps:   00:00 - Introduction of Austin Kirby  02:15 - Early Life and Rejecting the Hamster Wheel  04:30 - The Significance of Jeremiah 1:5  08:25 - Realization at Safe Flight and Anthony’s Car Wash  15:50 - Low Point at Steel City Pops  19:34 - Finding Success and Purpose  28:45 - Launching Kirby Dryer Vent Cleaning  35:53 - First Client and Initial Success  42:14 - Ongoing Business Growth  52:30 - Quality and Customer Service  01:03:50 - Future Plans and Business Philosophy  01:10:55 - Advice for Aspiring EntrepreneursDon't miss this inspiring episode about entrepreneurship, faith, and finding your true purpose!00:00 Introduction to Austin Kirby00:26 Early Life and Inspiration04:08 Struggles and Realizations07:14 Turning Points and Small Wins14:57 The Birth of an Entrepreneur21:22 Building the Business22:48 The Importance of Faith and Integrity23:20 Attention to Detail and Client Care26:30 Overcoming Challenges and Building Success27:50 Future Plans and Business Growth29:38 Balancing Growth and Quality of Life36:24 The Power of Customer Service40:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    44 min

  4. 12/12/2025

    Ep. 28 How Private Equity Firms Work: The Story of Jon-Don

    Ever wondered how a private equity firm works. This is a real life story of a family owned business that that grew to become a nationally recognized brand, was bought by a private equity firm and collapsed over night! In this episode of 'Locally Owned,' we explore the inspiring story of Dominic (Nick) and Jon Paella, who started Jon-Don, a revolutionary janitorial supply company, from their suburban Chicago garage in 1978. Discover how they built a national brand based on treating customers like family and stood by small contractors for decades. Learn how private equity firm Incline Equity Partners acquired Jon-Don in 2021, employing risky financial strategies that ultimately led to the company's bankruptcy by 2025. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of high-risk financial maneuvers and the stark differences between customer-driven values and profit-driven imperatives.00:00 The Dream Begins: Founding Jon-Don00:58 Building a Legacy: Nick and Jon's Journey01:53 A Customer's Perspective: The Jon-Don Experience08:36 The Private Equity Takeover10:13 The Downfall: Financial Missteps and Bankruptcy15:07 Lessons Learned: The Impact of Private Equity17:06 Conclusion: Preserving the Legacy

    21 min

  5. 10/02/2025

    Ep 27 How a Former Tesla & Uber Innovator is Bringing AI to Local Small Businesses

    How AI Is Revolutionizing Main Street: Zeb Dawson on Sales, Marketing & Small Business GrowthWhat if your small business had an inside sales rep who never missed a call, booked jobs 24/7, followed up with every lead, and talked to customers exactly the way you would? In this episode of Locally Owned, I sit down with Zeb Dawson, founder of Happy Path Marketing, to explore how AI technology is transforming Main Street businesses.Zeb shares his journey from working at Tesla, Uber, and Motional to launching AI-powered tools that help local businesses grow, automate, and thrive. We discuss: ✅ How AI can answer calls, book appointments, and qualify leads ✅ Why follow-up automation is the key to more sales ✅ The danger of DIY thinking in small business marketing ✅ Building “trust bridges” with customers using technology ✅ Lessons from big tech that every small business owner can useIf you’re a local business owner looking to scale, systematize, and grow with AI, this episode is packed with insights and practical takeaways.00:00 – AI Sales Rep That Never Sleeps – Zeb’s vision for Main Street businesses using AI to handle calls, bookings, and follow-ups. 02:00 – Early Entrepreneurial Journey – From rock tumblers to PC repair: how Zeb’s curiosity shaped his career. 12:30 – Lessons from Tesla & Uber – What big tech taught him about scaling, leadership, and customer service. 28:30 – Building Trust Bridges – Why relationships + AI are the future of small business growth. 46:00 – Happy Path Marketing & AI CRM – How Zeb helps small business owners automate follow-ups and never miss a lead.

    1h 14m

  6. 09/16/2025

    Ep 26 How To Build A Brand That People Instantly Trust

    In this video, we delve deep into the concept of branding, explaining why it's more than just a logo or color palette. The essence of a brand is the story consumers tell themselves about your product and reputation. Using a detailed example of Joe's journey with his salsa business, we explore the three stages of branding: Stage 1 where the owner is the brand, Stage 2 where the product becomes the brand, and Stage 3 where reputation is key. Discover the psychological factors behind each stage and actionable strategies to build, nurture, and protect your brand trust as your business scales. Watch to learn how Joe transitioned from local farmer's markets to national shelves and how you can apply these principles to your own branding efforts.00:00 Introduction to Branding00:38 Defining Branding: Beyond Logos and Colors02:05 The Three Stages of Branding03:00 Stage One: The Owner as the Brand08:46 Stage Two: The Product as the Brand13:38 Stage Three: Reputation and Trust20:02 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFREE Online Business Readiness Assessment Link: https://yourgoalmind.com/meet-dave-pastorMy Calendar:  My calendar link: https://calendly.com/dpastor-streetsm...

    25 min

  7. 08/29/2025

    Ep 25 How To Make Your Personality Your Brand

    How to Make Your Personality Your BrandIn this episode of 'Locally Owned,' host Dave interviews Johnny Juan Ortiz, a dynamic speaker, community leader, and founder of Fun Life Coaching. With decades of experience in mortgage lending, real estate coaching, and community leadership, Johnny shares how his charisma and faith-driven approach to business have fueled his success. From his early days working in a restaurant to launching coaching communities and becoming a certified Ziglar Legacy coach, Johnny provides valuable insights on turning personality into a powerful brand. Tune in to hear Johnny's journey, his strategies for sales success, and his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.00:00 Introduction to Johnny Juan Ortiz01:51 Johnny's Early Life and Career Beginnings03:46 From Serving Tables to Sales Success05:53 Transition to Timeshare and Commission Sales08:45 Mastering the Art of Likability in Sales16:53 Journey into Real Estate and Mortgage Lending23:23 The Value of Coaching and Mentorship32:00 Overcoming the Fear of Charging for Services32:37 Building Confidence Through Success36:56 The Importance of Self-Belief and Leadership39:44 Connecting with Your Future Self49:12 The Role of Faith in Achieving Success54:02 The Value of Coaching and Certification01:03:38 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

    1h 12m

  8. 08/19/2025

    Ep 24 5 Mindset Shifts That Lead To More Profit, Value, & Freedom!

    The 5 Mindset Shifts to More Profit, Freedom and ValueIn this episode, the host returns after a two-month hiatus to discuss the significant shifts needed to make a small business more profitable, easier to manage, and ultimately more valuable for a future sale. After sharing personal experiences related to moving and converting a townhome into a rental property, the host dives into the five crucial mindset shifts every business owner should adopt. These include transitioning from an owner-dependent to an owner-optional business model, creating documented systems instead of relying on verbal instructions, gaining financial clarity rather than relying on gut feelings, fostering an empowered team instead of just having employees, and focusing on generating recurring revenue to lower business risk. These shifts not only prepare a business for a lucrative sale but also make it more profitable and functional in the now. The episode is packed with actionable insights and concludes with an offer for a free business assessment to help owners identify their most significant gaps and create a 12-month action plan.00:00 Welcome Back and Personal Updates01:02 New Business Focus: Helping Small Business Owners02:43 Mindset Shift #1: From Owner-Dependent to Owner-Optional10:46 Mindset Shift #2: From Verbal Instructions to Documented Systems17:44 Mindset Shift #3: From Gut Feel to Financial Clarity22:59 Mindset Shift #4: From Employees to an Empowered Team28:24 Mindset Shift #5: From Risky to Recurring Revenue32:34 Conclusion and Free Assessment Offer

    36 min
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5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Welcome to Locally Owned — We are the go-to podcast for small and medium-sized business (SMB) owners who want to master the art of goal setting and turn their visions into reality. Each episode dives into actionable strategies for achieving success, featuring interviews with real SMB owners who are in the trenches, getting it done. What makes us different is that we bring real local business owners to the show who are prepared to share stories of their business journey. You will hear real events and situations that they figured out how to overcome and thrive. Strategies that work for Fortune 500 companies are not actionable for local businesses. When you listen to an episode, you will learn how to set goals, implement effective business strategies, and overcome obstacles, stay motivated, and build bigger goals helping you reach your dream company. None of the ideas and strategies expressed here are out of reach to the local business owner. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, this podcast is packed with practical advice to help you achieve your goals.

Information

  • Creator
    The Street Smart Entrepreneur
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Locally Owned