Behind the Small Business

Kevin Dandino
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"Behind the Small Business" - brought to you by Centennial State Insurance Agency - is a podcast focused on the stories of small business owners in Colorado. These owners provide a glimpse behind who they are, what made them want to open a small business, as well as various other aspects of what it takes to be a successful small business owner. Whether you are a fellow small business owner, aspiring owner, or want to simply hear awesome stories from those in your communities, this is the podcast for you!

  1. Aug 3

    Ep 49 - Newman Sauna Co. - Behind the Small Business

    Episode 49 — Brett Newman, Newman Sauna Co.: Turning a Garage Hobby Into a Custom Wellness Business When AI wiped out the translation business Bret Newman had spent 15 years building, he didn't panic — he already had the next chapter waiting in his garage. In this episode, Bret, founder of Newman Sauna Co., joins Kevin to share how a DIY cold plunge he built to recover from ACL surgery turned into a thriving custom sauna and cold plunge studio in the Colorado foothills. Bret walks through what makes his approach different: fully custom, offsite-built units that spare homeowners the mess of a construction zone, a guided design process that takes the fear out of "custom built," and a deliberately small, community-driven business model that runs almost entirely on word of mouth. He and Kevin dig into why saunas and cold plunges have exploded in popularity — the health benefits, the forced disconnect from screens, and the "third space" community aspect that Brett believes matters most. Bret also gets honest about the harder side of the story: losing a business to AI, wrestling with imposter syndrome, and his cautious, side-hustle-first philosophy of taking chances. He shares where he wants to take the company next (think mobile saunas and community wellness spaces) and offers grounded advice for anyone sitting on a hobby they're afraid to bet on. In this episode: How a post-surgery DIY cold plunge became a businessLosing a 15-year translation career to AI — and pivoting fastWhy "custom built" isn't as intimidating (or stressful) as people fearThe offsite-build model that keeps the mess out of your backyardSauna and cold plunge culture: health, performance, and communityStaying small on purpose: word-of-mouth over scaling upWhat's next: commercial work, wellness spaces, and mobile saunasAdvice for turning a hobby into a living Find Bret & Newman Sauna Co.: on Instagram — search Newman Sauna Company and send a message to start the conversation. Behind the Small Business is brought to you by Centennial State Insurance Agency — big-company products with a small-business human touch, for your personal and commercial insurance needs. Get a quote or come share your own small business story on the show: call 303-838-0554 or visit www.CentennialStateIns.com. Are you a small business owner who'd like free publicity on the show? Reach out on any platform or call the office — no strings attached.

  2. Jul 16

    Ep 48 - Gub Gub's Pizza & Ice Cream - Behind the Small Business Podcast

    Episode 48 – Gub Gub's Pizza & Ice Cream How do you build a thriving business — and revive an entire downtown — in a Colorado town of roughly 3,000 people? In this episode, host Kevin Dandino talks with Helena Cappon, majority owner of Gub Gub's Pizza & Ice Cream in Walsenburg, CO, which she owns with her husband Thomas and her father Jack. Helena shares the full journey: from daydreaming the concept in a Carl's Jr. parking lot, to transforming a dilapidated 1960 Standard Oil gas station on Main Street into a true community gathering place. Along the way she opens up about the mentorship, scholarships, and grit that got them there — and the community-first philosophy driving it all. In this episode: Turning a crumbling gas station into a Main Street landmark (building acquired 2021, brick-and-mortar opened Labor Day weekend 2024)Perfecting NY Long Island-style pizza dough at 6,000 feet of altitude — inspired by Carlos Pizza in Port Washington, NYThe "third space" concept: why successful small towns need a pizza shop, an ice cream shop, and a bookstoreThe Gub Readers Club — read 40 books or chapters, earn a free pizza (400+ pizzas given away, engaging about half the county's kids)Mentorship from Little Man Ice Cream's Paul Tamburrino, plus Greenhouse Scholars and Daniels Fund supportThe story behind the name "Gub Gub" (a cat named after a Dr. Dolittle pig) and grandma's motto: "If you can read, you can do anything"Revitalizing downtown Walsenburg — murals, festivals, and the town Christmas tree lighting on Gub Gub's patioHonest advice on imposter syndrome, humility, asking for help, and turning tough reviews into loyal customers Guest: Helena Cappon, Gub Gub's Pizza & Ice Cream — 629 Main Street, Walsenburg, CO Are you a small business owner with a story to tell? We'd love to have you as a guest on Behind the Small Business — free of charge. Reach out to get on the show. — Behind the Small Business is proudly sponsored by Centennial State Insurance Agency. Big-company products, small-business human touch. For a free personal, commercial, auto, home, or umbrella insurance quote, call 303-838-0554. Centennial State Insurance www.CentennialStateIns.com 303-838-0554 Proudly Serving Colorado, Arizona and Nebraska

  3. Jun 4

    Ep 47 - The Chip Repair Man - Behind the Small Business Podcast

    Most people have no idea their windshield is a structural part of their vehicle — until someone like Gary Duncan explains it. In this episode of Behind the Small Business, host Kevin Dandino talks with Gary Duncan, owner of The Chip Repair Man and a 38-year veteran of the auto glass industry. A small business owner since 2004, Gary built Rocky Mountain Auto Glass, ran a shop in small-town Missouri, and now serves the Denver metro and Highlands Ranch with mobile chip and crack repair. He shares the real story of leaving a stable management job, betting on himself, and prioritizing family and personal service along the way. In this episode: • Why a $150 chip repair beats a $700–$2,000 windshield replacement on modern camera-equipped glass • How COVID unexpectedly made his business busier than ever • Why staying face-to-face with customers beats hiding in the office • The hard truth about an unregulated industry full of unqualified technicians • Where AI fits into the future of small business — even for the non-techie owner • A tornado, "basement bargain" insurance, and why cutting corners costs you when it matters most Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned owner, or just someone with a crack you've been ignoring, Gary's decades of hard-earned wisdom deliver real, practical takeaways. Connect with Gary — The Chip Repair Man (Highlands Ranch & Denver metro mobile service): 📞 303-901-8226 | Facebook: The Chip Repair Man Are you a small business owner? This is an open invitation to share your story on the podcast — free publicity, no strings attached. Reach out via Facebook or YouTube to be featured on a future episode. This episode is brought to you by Centennial State Insurance Agency. For a personal or business insurance quote with the right coverage and no overpaying, call 📞 303-838-0554.

  4. Apr 30

    Ep 46 - Colorado Real Estate Coalition

    Since COVID, business and everyday life have leaned hard into tech and online communication. That shift has opened a ton of doors for small business owners, but it also makes it easy to forget how powerful real, in-person connection can be for building trust, community, and long-term customers. In this episode of “Behind the Small Business,” Kevin sits down with Brian Prescott, owner of Colorado Real Estate Coalition, to talk about how he blends technology, social media, and good old-fashioned face-to-face relationships to grow his business. Brian has no problem using digital tools to get attention, but he’s very intentional about showing up in person, shaking hands, and being present in his community—and he shares how that mindset has changed his business. If you’re a long-time small business owner or just starting to dream about launching your own thing, this conversation is full of practical lessons, mindset shifts, and real-world examples you can use right away. Plug in, take some notes, and see how you can use both tech and in-person connection to move your business forward.

  5. Apr 13

    Ep 45 - Daddy's Homemade Syrups Take 2!

    We’ve had the pleasure of sharing incredible stories from inspiring entrepreneurs on the Behind the Small Business Podcast, and Amber from Daddy’s Homemade Syrup is no exception! Amber believes there’s nothing “small” about the power of a small business. Every entrepreneur has the ability to make a big, positive impact on their community — and she’s setting a remarkable example. Curious how she’s doing it? Tune in to hear her story and discover the sweet mission behind Daddy’s Homemade Syrup!

  6. Mar 20

    Ep 44 - Mt. Carmel Veteran Service Center

    In this episode of Behind the Small Business Podcast, Kevin sits down with Bob and Joe from Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center — an organization dedicated to empowering veterans through career, wellness, and entrepreneurship support. Transitioning from military to civilian life comes with unique challenges, and Mt. Carmel is there to help veterans find purpose and success in their next chapter. From business mentorship and startup guidance to networking opportunities and community resources, their programs are built to help veterans turn their ideas into thriving small businesses. Tune in to hear inspiring stories, valuable insights, and practical advice for veterans ready to take charge of their future. If you're a veteran with a dream of entrepreneurship, connect with Mt. Carmel Veteran Service Center today and set yourself up for success! #veterans #smallbusiness #businesspodcast

  7. Mar 4

    Ep 43 - Power Up AI - Behind the Small Business Podcast

    The world of small businesses is evolving fast—and AI technology is changing the game. While big companies can hire entire teams to focus on artificial intelligence, small business owners often have to juggle it all themselves.In this episode of Behind the Small Business, Kevin Dandino talks with Dan Mowinski, a fellow entrepreneur who built his own business to help small business owners harness the power of AI tools for marketing, operations, and growth.Tune in as Dan shares his journey as a small business owner, how he’s using AI to drive efficiency and innovation, and practical tips for integrating AI into your business strategy—without losing focus on what matters most: running and growing your company.🎧 Learn how to stay competitive, save time, and turn AI into your business’s best advantage.

  8. Feb 17

    Ep 42 - Brit Food Group - Behind the Small Business Podcast

    In this episode of Behind the Small Business Podcast, Kevin sits down with Nova, media personality and co-owner of Brit Food Group in Colorado Springs. Nova shares his journey as an entrepreneur, what he’s learned from building a business in a competitive market, and why staying connected to people is one of the most important parts of long-term success. This conversation dives into mindset, leadership, and practical lessons that small business owners can apply right away. If you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or local business owner looking for real-world insight and inspiration, this episode delivers both. What You’ll LearnNova’s story and path to co-owning Brit Food GroupKey lessons from running and growing a small businessWhy authentic community relationships matter in businessPractical takeaways for entrepreneurs and business owners About the ShowBehind the Small Business Podcast features real conversations with business owners, founders, and leaders sharing what it really takes to build and sustain a successful business.

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About

"Behind the Small Business" - brought to you by Centennial State Insurance Agency - is a podcast focused on the stories of small business owners in Colorado. These owners provide a glimpse behind who they are, what made them want to open a small business, as well as various other aspects of what it takes to be a successful small business owner. Whether you are a fellow small business owner, aspiring owner, or want to simply hear awesome stories from those in your communities, this is the podcast for you!

Information

  • Creator
    Kevin Dandino
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Kevin Dandino
  • Show Website
    Behind the Small Business