Small Business Strong

John Lane
  • 4.8 (5)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Monthly

Welcome to Small Business Strong! On this channel, I sit down with entrepreneurs in the hunting, fishing, and outdoor industries to uncover the real stories behind their businesses. We go beyond the products and services to talk about how they got started, the challenges they overcame, the problems they solve for their customers, and where they’re headed next. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, aspiring business owner, or simply enjoy hearing inspiring stories, you’ll find honest conversations packed with practical business lessons

  1. Sep 16

    Episode 29: Handloading 1,000 Shotgun Shells Per Day | Austin Foster | Rocky Ridge Ammo Co.

    Austin Foster of Rocky Ridge Ammo shares how he built an ammunition business capable of hand loading 1,000 shotgun shells per day. We discuss his production process, startup costs, licensing, pricing premium turkey loads, and finding his first customers.

    Episode 29: Handloading 1,000 Shotgun Shells Per Day | Austin Foster | Rocky Ridge Ammo Co.

  2. Sep 9

    Eposode 28: From Pastor to Full-Time Duck Decoy Carver | Mike Marino | Marino Decoys

    Mike Marino was serving as a full-time pastor when a disappointing set of store-bought decoys changed the direction of his life. They didn’t look like real ducks—and Mike believed he could create something better. With help from an experienced mentor, Mike began learning how to carve and paint lifelike working decoys. What started as a creative outlet grew into Marino Decoys and eventually gave him the opportunity to pursue decoy carving full-time. In this episode of Small Business Strong, Mike shares how mentorship accelerated his growth, what it took to turn craftsmanship into a business, and why his mission of “Just One More” reaches far beyond duck hunting. If you’re an outdoor entrepreneur, craftsman, or someone wondering whether your passion could become a business, Mike’s story will challenge you to start—and keep improving. Learn more about Mike’s hand-carved decoys at MarinoDecoys.com⁠. Small Business Strong—where entrepreneurs meet the outdoor industry.

    Eposode 28: From Pastor to Full-Time Duck Decoy Carver | Mike Marino | Marino Decoys

  3. Sep 2

    Episode 27: He Started His Company for $500 | Dale Witheril | Dale's Quails Acres

    Dale started with just $500 and a willingness to work—and what began as a business building and selling quail cages and supplies has grown into something much bigger. In this episode of Small Business Strong, Dale from Dale’s Quails Acres shares how he built the business from the ground up, the sacrifices required along the way, and why regenerative farming has become such an important part of his mission. Dale and his family have transitioned the business from primarily manufacturing quail cages and supplies into a full-fledged regenerative farm. Today, they raise fresh produce and animals for meat while working to improve the land, strengthen the soil, and produce food in a more responsible and sustainable way. This conversation is about more than quail or farming. It’s about starting small, persevering through difficult seasons, allowing your vision to evolve, and building a business around principles that truly matter to you. If you enjoy honest conversations with the entrepreneurs building America’s hunting, fishing, farming, and outdoor businesses, subscribe to Small Business Strong for more stories like Dale’s.

    Episode 27: He Started His Company for $500 | Dale Witheril | Dale's Quails Acres

  4. Aug 26

    Episode 26: Starting an Outdoor Podcast Through Building Relationships | Johnathan McCormick | Red Beard Outdoors

    Johnathan of Red Beard Outdoors joins Small Business Strong to talk about what it really takes to build an outdoor podcast and media brand. Jonathan shares why relationships are the key to successful sponsorships, strong brand partnerships, and long-term growth—and why simply chasing followers isn’t enough. We also talk about building an authentic brand identity, monetizing an outdoor podcast, faith, family, and the lessons Jonathan has learned while growing Red Beard Outdoors. Small Business Strong brings you real conversations with entrepreneurs and small business owners about what it takes to build something that lasts.

    Episode 26: Starting an Outdoor Podcast Through Building Relationships | Johnathan McCormick | Red Beard Outdoors

  5. Aug 19

    Episode 25: Turning a Duck Hunting Problem Into a Business | Todd Ezzi | Rixey Outdoors

    How do you launch a product in the hunting industry? Todd Ezzi saw a need for a dog stand that was lightweight, strong, and practical—so he went into his garage and built one himself. What started as a solution to his own problem has grown into Rixey Outdoors, producing quality dog stands at a great price. In this episode of Small Business Strong, Todd shares the story of how that garage-built idea became a real business. Looking for a lightweight, durable dog stand? Check out Rixey Outdoors. https://rixeyoutdoors.com/ Have a small-business story or know someone who should be on the podcast? Email us at  smallbusinessstrongpodcast@gmail.com Subscribe to Small Business Strong for more full-length conversations with entrepreneurs building businesses from the ground up. Join the Small Business Strong Community Want to go behind the scenes and be part of the show? Join Small Business Strong on Patreon for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes updates, and opportunities to help shape future episodes and submit questions for upcoming guests. Become a member: https://www.patreon.com/c/SmallBusinessStrong?utm_source=campaign-search-results

    Episode 25: Turning a Duck Hunting Problem Into a Business | Todd Ezzi | Rixey Outdoors

  6. Aug 12

    Episode 24: They Started A Deer Feed Company In Their Garage | Marlon (Catfish) & Willa Glover | MTX

    How do you start a successful deer feed company? In this episode of Small Business Strong, I sit down with Marlon (Catfish) and Willa Glover, founders of MTX, to talk about what it really looks like to build a business while keeping God at the center. We discuss the lessons God taught them before their company began to grow, the importance of serving customers well, what makes MTX different, and the challenges every entrepreneur faces when quitting seems easier than pressing on. They also share how marriage, faith, and business work together, the mistakes they’ve learned from, and what they hope their legacy will be when it’s all said and done. Whether you’re building a business, leading a family, or simply trying to be faithful where God has you today, this conversation is full of practical wisdom and encouragement. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with another entrepreneur. Connect with MTX: https://www.facebook.com/MTXtrailmix https://www.instagram.com/mtxtrailmix/ Follow Small Business Strong: Instagram: @smallbusinessstrongpodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmallBusinessStrong Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/small-business-strong/id1847801374 Join the Small Business Strong Community Want to go behind the scenes and be part of the show? Join Small Business Strong on Patreon for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes updates, and opportunities to help shape future episodes and submit questions for upcoming guests. Become a member: ⁠ https://www.patreon.com/cw/SmallBusinessStrong⁠

    Episode 24: They Started A Deer Feed Company In Their Garage | Marlon (Catfish) & Willa Glover | MTX

  7. Aug 5

    Episode 23: From Buying a Fish Farm to Becoming an Industry Leader | Mike Freeze | Keo Fish Farms

    How do you start a successful fish farm? In Episode 23 of Small Business Strong, I sit down with Mike Freeze, owner of Keo Fish Farms, to hear the story of how he purchased a fish farm and helped grow it into one of the leading aquaculture businesses in the country. Mike shares the challenges of buying an established business, growing it over decades, adapting to industry changes, and producing hybrid striped bass and triploid grass carp. We also discuss leadership, customer relationships, hiring great people, long-term decision-making, and the lessons he’s learned after nearly 50 years in the aquaculture industry. Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind successful companies, this episode is packed with practical business wisdom from someone who has built a lasting legacy. In this episode: How Mike Freeze bought Keo Fish FarmsGrowing a fish farm into an industry leaderThe business of aquacultureProducing hybrid striped bass and triploid grass carpLeadership and long-term business growthLessons learned from nearly 50 years in businessAdvice for the next generation of entrepreneurs About Small Business Strong Small Business Strong is the podcast where successful entrepreneurs share the real stories behind the businesses they’ve built—the wins, the setbacks, and the lessons learned along the way. If you enjoy honest conversations with business owners and want practical insights you can apply to your own journey, be sure to follow the show and share this episode with another entrepreneur. Join the Small Business Strong Community Want to go behind the scenes and be part of the show? Join Small Business Strong on Patreon for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes updates, and opportunities to help shape future episodes and submit questions for upcoming guests. Become a member:  https://www.patreon.com/cw/SmallBusinessStrong

    Episode 23: From Buying a Fish Farm to Becoming an Industry Leader | Mike Freeze | Keo Fish Farms

  8. Jul 29

    Episode 22: From Addiction to Building a Premium Boat Company | Louis Perrero | South Dade Skiffs

    How do you start a boat building company? In this episode of Small Business Strong, I sit down with Louis Perrero, founder of South Dade Skiffs, to hear the story behind one of the most unique skiff manufacturers in the country. Louis opens up about:-How South Dade Skiffs got its name-His life before sobriety-Working as a deckhand on luxury yachts-The painful fishing accident that put a hook through his leg-Building his very first fiberglass boat-The financial risk of creating his first mold and launching a company-What he’d do if he had to rebuild everything from scratch-The legacy he hopes to leave behind. This isn’t just a conversation about boats—it’s about resilience, craftsmanship, second chances, and what it really takes to build something meaningful. If you’re an entrepreneur, outdoorsman, fisherman, or someone chasing a dream, this episode is for you.👍 If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who loves small business and the outdoors. Connect with South Dade Skiffs on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/southdadeskiff Join the Small Business Strong Community Want to go behind the scenes and be part of the show? Join Small Business Strong on Patreon for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes updates, and opportunities to help shape future episodes and submit questions for upcoming guests. Become a member:  ⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/SmallBusinessStrong⁠

    Episode 22: From Addiction to Building a Premium Boat Company | Louis Perrero | South Dade Skiffs
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to Small Business Strong! On this channel, I sit down with entrepreneurs in the hunting, fishing, and outdoor industries to uncover the real stories behind their businesses. We go beyond the products and services to talk about how they got started, the challenges they overcame, the problems they solve for their customers, and where they’re headed next. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, aspiring business owner, or simply enjoy hearing inspiring stories, you’ll find honest conversations packed with practical business lessons

Information

  • Creator
    John Lane
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © John Lane
  • Show Website
    Small Business Strong

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