Small Business Strong

John Lane
  • 4.8 (5)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Monthly

Welcome to Small Business Strong! On this channel, I sit down with entrepreneurs in the hunting, fishing, firearm, 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. Oct 28

    Episode 33: The Fishing Lure That Changed Everything | Trout Magnet | Jeff Smith

    Jeff Smith, co-founder of Leland’s Lures, shares how a homemade bait became Walmart’s top-selling trout lure—and grew into a brand that’s lasted for decades. From early plaster prototypes and selling guns to fund the business, to a breakthrough Walmart order, Jeff explains how product differentiation, timing, and persistence helped Trout Magnet take off. He also reflects on the pressures of growth, stepping away from the business, and how faith reshaped his definition of success. In this episode, you’ll hear how Jeff built a product around a problem other anglers overlooked, learned to scale production quickly, and adapted as direct-to-consumer sales and social media changed the fishing industry. It’s a story about entrepreneurship, resilience, and building a business with purpose.

    Episode 33: The Fishing Lure That Changed Everything | Trout Magnet | Jeff Smith

  2. Oct 21

    Episode 32: From Hardship to Building an American-Made Hunting Gear Company | BullPath Gear | Drew Eyink

    Bullpath Gear started with a competitors cheap-looking saddle, a $300 sewing machine, and a decision to build American-made hunting gear from scratch. Drew Eyink shares how a stolen tree stand, a “Made in China” tag on hunting gear, and a lack of mentors became part of the journey that led him to build a business around quality and American manufacturing. John Lane talks with Drew about the realities of starting a product business—from learning to sew and finding his first customers to adapting when business challenges arose. Drew also shares how organic social media helped introduce Bullpath Gear to hunters and why he stands behind his products with a lifetime warranty.They discuss: How Drew went from landscaping to making hunting gearWhy saddle hunting sparked the idea for Bullpath GearHow he got started with about $600 to $700How posting his journey helped him find his first customersThe importance of networking, customer service, and learning as you goThe sacrifices and financial uncertainty involved in building a businessDrew also reflects on experiencing homelessness as a child with his father, and how those experiences shaped his perspective and drive. It’s an honest conversation about resilience, entrepreneurship, and building a company one step at a time. Explore Drew’s company: bullpathgear.com

    Episode 32: From Hardship to Building an American-Made Hunting Gear Company | BullPath Gear | Drew Eyink

  3. Oct 14

    Episode 31: How to Start and Grow a Handyman Business with No Money | Ben Alexander

    What are the two things every handyman needs to get right from the start? In this episode of Small Business Strong, I sit down with Ben Alexander to talk about his journey building Hanks Handyman, what led him to TradeworX, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Most of my interviews highlight entrepreneurs in the outdoor, hunting, and fishing industries. This episode is a little more personal. As I work to grow my own handyman business, Handiwork Home Solutions, it was an honor to interview Ben because of the work he’s done in this industry. Whether you’re just starting out or working to grow an established handyman business, join us for a conversation about his story and two essentials to get right from day one.

    Episode 31: How to Start and Grow a Handyman Business with No Money | Ben Alexander

  4. Oct 7

    Episode 30: How to Become the Photographer Outdoor Brands Want to Hire | Matt Carey

    How do you turn a love for hunting and photography into a business—and land your first paying client? In this episode of Small Business Strong, I sit down with outdoor photographer Matt Carey to talk about his journey from pursuing music to creating content for brands in the hunting, fishing, and outdoor industry. Matt also shares how strategy shapes his work with clients, starting with a simple question: WHY do they want content created, and what do they want it to accomplish? If you love the outdoors and want to explore photography as a business, this conversation covers practical first steps—even if you’re starting with a full-time job, a basic camera, and no industry contacts. Subscribe to Small Business Strong for more conversations with entrepreneurs in the hunting, fishing, and outdoor industry. Small Business Strong — Where entrepreneurs meet the outdoor industry.

    Episode 30: How to Become the Photographer Outdoor Brands Want to Hire | Matt Carey

  5. 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.

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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, firearm, 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
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © John Lane
  • Show Website
    Small Business Strong

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