The Think Small Podcast

The Think Small Podcast

Hypergrowth for Small Businesses. Join us as we interview small business owners and executives to dive in the the unique challenges and opportunities that they face. Visit our other Think Small Podcast Channels: The Think Small Podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-think-small-podcast/ Think Small Podcast Live: https://rss.com/podcasts/think-small-podcast-live/ The Think Small Podcast Live: San Diego: https://rss.com/podcasts/tsp-live-san-diego/ The Think Small Podcast Live: Washington DC: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-think-small-podcast-live-washington-dc/ The Think Small Podcast: Health and Wellness: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-think-small-podcast-medical-alley/ The Think Small Podcast: Legal: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-think-small-podcast-legal/ Women Who Lead: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-think-small-podcast-women-who-lead/ The Offshore Diaries: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-offshore-diaries/

  1. 21h ago

    Turning Technical Expertise into Business Value: Online Learning, Cybersecurity & AI (Tom Allen, Founder and CEO, Opango)

    In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Tom Allen, CEO and Founder of Opango, a specialty learning management company that helps organizations develop and deliver effective online training programs. Tom shares how he combined his background in technology and passion for aviation to build a business focused on knowledge transfer, standardized instruction, and improved aviation safety. From helping aviation associations preserve the expertise of experienced instructors to developing specialized training programs, Tom explains how Wopango helps organizations turn complex technical knowledge into accessible, practical learning experiences. Tom also discusses how his approach extends beyond online education into cybersecurity consulting, helping business owners understand their risks and invest in protections that fit their needs and budgets. He highlights the importance of employee cybersecurity training, clear communication, and designing courses around the learner's actual level of understanding. Looking ahead, Tom explores how artificial intelligence is accelerating content development and reshaping learning management systems while emphasizing that AI should be viewed as a productivity tool—not a replacement for human judgment. Throughout the conversation, he shares valuable lessons on customer service, adaptability, and building lasting partnerships by helping clients solve problems beyond the technology itself. Connect: Website: https://opango.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasleeallen/

    Turning Technical Expertise into Business Value: Online Learning, Cybersecurity & AI (Tom Allen, Founder and CEO, Opango)

  2. 6d ago

    Building a Business Around Customer Needs: Adaptability, Leadership & Strategic Growth (Terry Bitar, Founder, BITARCHITECTS)

    In this episode of the Think Small Podcast,Terry Bitar, Founder and Managing Partner of BITARCHITECTS, an architecture, engineering, permitting, and construction firm based in Washington, D.C. Terry shares his journey from Lebanon to the United States and how he built a business by recognizing market opportunities and adapting to customer needs. What began as an architecture studio evolved into an integrated service model that guides clients from their initial project concepts through design, engineering, permitting, and construction. Terry explains how listening to clients helped expand the company's offerings and why successful entrepreneurs must focus on solving real problems rather than simply delivering what they initially set out to provide. Terry also discusses the lessons he's learned about resilience, choosing the right clients, building a collaborative team, and evolving as a leader. He emphasizes that not every client or project is the right fit, and that sustainable growth requires a clear target market, shared values, and a team culture built on honesty, transparency, and collaboration. Looking ahead, Terry shares his vision for pursuing specialized projects, including unique childcare facilities and medical cannabis manufacturing facilities, while exploring opportunities to work with government clients. His central message is that entrepreneurship isn't just about reaching a destination—it's about how you grow and who you become along the way. Connect: Website: https://bitarchitects.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bitarterry/

    Building a Business Around Customer Needs: Adaptability, Leadership & Strategic Growth (Terry Bitar, Founder, BITARCHITECTS)

  3. Oct 26

    Title Growing a Law Firm Through Client Trust, Strategic Networking & Smart AI Adoption (Shaun Serelson, Partner, RTRLAW)

    In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Shaun Serelson, Partner at RTR Law, discuss how law firms can grow through strong client relationships, strategic branding, and a commitment to exceptional service. Shaun shares how RTR evolved from a small South Florida practice into a firm with offices across multiple states by building a recognizable brand around its core values of being Reliable, Trusted, and Respected. He explains why client referrals, in-person networking, and a diversified marketing strategy—including SEO, social media, and paid advertising—are essential to sustainable growth, and why delivering a positive client experience is key to earning trust and strengthening referral partnerships. The conversation also explores how artificial intelligence is changing the legal profession, from clients using AI to estimate personal injury settlements to attorneys using it to summarize medical records and generate ideas. Shaun emphasizes the importance of responsible AI adoption, professional judgment, and transparent communication that helps clients make informed decisions. He also reflects on the rewarding side of personal injury law: educating people, advocating for injured clients, and helping them secure compensation during difficult times. His central message is that long-term success comes from adapting to change while staying focused on relationships, trust, and helping people. Connect: Shaun Serelson, Partner at RTR Law Website: https://rtrlaw.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunserelsonStuart Foster, Host, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Law Firm Fractional CMOs Website: https://www.lawfirm-cmo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hstuartfoster

    Title Growing a Law Firm Through Client Trust, Strategic Networking & Smart AI Adoption (Shaun Serelson, Partner, RTRLAW)

  4. Oct 9

    Keeping Your Business Out of Trouble: Export Compliance, Cybersecurity & Risk Management (James Black, Partner & General Counsel, Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP )

    In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Stuart Foster sits down with James Black, Partner and General Counsel at Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP to discuss how small and midsize businesses can protect themselves from legal, regulatory, and cybersecurity risks. Drawing on more than 40 years of experience in ethics and compliance, James explains why export compliance goes beyond knowing your immediate customer. Businesses must understand the ultimate end user and intended use of their products, conduct thorough due diligence, and recognize how seemingly ordinary transactions can expose them to serious penalties. James also explores the growing threat of cyberattacks, including fraudulent invoices, fake banking updates, phishing emails, and increasingly convincing impersonation scams. The conversation examines how drone technology is transforming modern warfare and why international supply chains and export controls matter more than ever. James closes with four essential reminders for business owners: no single deal is worth risking the company, if something sounds too good to be true it probably is, always conduct due diligence, and invest in protecting your data and systems. Connect: James Black, Partner and General Counsel at Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP Website: https://frblaw.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-black-7631035 Stuart Foster, Host, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Law Firm Fractional CMOs Website: https://www.lawfirm-cmo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hstuartfoster

    Keeping Your Business Out of Trouble: Export Compliance, Cybersecurity & Risk Management (James Black, Partner & General Counsel, Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP )

  5. Sep 23

    Visibility Over Volume: How a 25-Person Med Device Company Competes Against The Giants (Stephanie Kent, President and CEO, Carbon Medical Technologies)

    In this episode of The Think Small Podcast, Stephanie Kent, President and CEO of Carbon Medical Technologies, shares how she is leading a lean 25-person medical device company through growth, commercialization, and transformation in a highly competitive industry. She discusses Carbon Medical’s unique pyrolytic carbon technology, the challenge of competing with much larger medical device companies, and the lessons she learned when bringing Durasphere back in-house after years of distribution. Stephanie explains why having a great product isn’t enough—you also need to make sure the market understands it, and why customer research helped the company identify opportunities to improve its injection system and develop Injecture. Stephanie also dives into the realities of scaling a small company, from building strategic partnerships and using fractional expertise to expanding manufacturing capabilities and navigating regulatory challenges. She shares why small businesses can benefit from staying close to their customers, observing products in the field, building strong CEO networks, and learning from outside experts. Her biggest lesson: stay curious, listen, adapt, and don’t be afraid to change course when new information shows you a better path forward. Connect: Website: https://carbonmed.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-kent-9030264

    Visibility Over Volume: How a 25-Person Med Device Company Competes Against The Giants (Stephanie Kent, President and CEO, Carbon Medical Technologies)

  6. Sep 18

    From Sports Psychology to Cybersecurity: Building a Business Through Adaptation (Bryant Wallace, Founder/CEO, WallScott Solutions)

    In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Bryant Wallace of WallScott Solutions, a cybersecurity and compliance company, shares how his entrepreneurial journey began at just nine years old, how sports psychology shaped his approach to business, and how lessons from athletics, problem-solving, and perseverance helped him build and sustain his IT business for more than two decades. Bryant also discusses the importance of adapting as technology and business challenges evolve, from Y2K and social media to compliance and the rise of AI. He explains why businesses need to balance technology and automation with human relationships, customer service, and sales. He also shares his philosophy of “doing well by doing good” and why business owners play such an important role in strengthening their communities. Connect: Website: https://www.wallscottsolutions.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryantwallace/

    From Sports Psychology to Cybersecurity: Building a Business Through Adaptation (Bryant Wallace, Founder/CEO, WallScott Solutions)

  7. Sep 17

    Building a Mission-Driven Franchise: Lessons from ScentHound’s Growth (Tim Vogel, CEO and co-founder, ScentHound)

    In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Tim Vogel, CEO and co-founder of ScentHound, a dog wellness franchise focused on routine hygiene and wellness care. Tim shares how he evolved from mobile pet grooming to developing a new business category that helps dog parents care for their pets’ skin, coats, ears, nails, and teeth. Tim also discusses the challenges of scaling through franchising, the importance of building infrastructure before growth demands it, and how detailed franchisee, employee, and customer journey maps help create consistency and stronger business performance. He shares lessons on learning from experienced advisors, developing support systems, building a connected franchise network, and choosing a business rooted in passion and purpose. Connect: Website: https://www.scenthound.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timvogel

    Building a Mission-Driven Franchise: Lessons from ScentHound’s Growth (Tim Vogel, CEO and co-founder, ScentHound)

  8. Sep 16

    Helping Business Owners Navigate Legal Challenges with Confidence (Brian Calhoun (Managing Partner) & Blake Brownshadel (Partner), Calhoun Bhella LLP)

    In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Brian Calhoun and Blake Brownshadel of Calhoun Bhella LLP, a full-service law firm serving business owners and entrepreneurs through litigation and transactional matters, discussed their journeys from major law firms to building a practice focused on providing personalized, responsive, and flexible legal support for growing and mid-market businesses. Brian and Blake also explain why business owners should involve legal counsel early, how direct communication and client participation can reduce unnecessary costs, and what to consider when choosing an attorney. They address the risks of relying on AI tools such as ChatGPT for legal advice, including inaccurate case law, confidentiality concerns, and the potential for AI-generated research to create additional work and expense. Connect: Website: https://www.calhounbhella.com/ LinkedIn: Brian Calhoun - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianalancalhoun/Blake Brownshadel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-brownshadel-96618119

    Helping Business Owners Navigate Legal Challenges with Confidence (Brian Calhoun (Managing Partner) & Blake Brownshadel (Partner), Calhoun Bhella LLP)
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Ratings & Reviews

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About

Hypergrowth for Small Businesses. Join us as we interview small business owners and executives to dive in the the unique challenges and opportunities that they face. Visit our other Think Small Podcast Channels: The Think Small Podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-think-small-podcast/ Think Small Podcast Live: https://rss.com/podcasts/think-small-podcast-live/ The Think Small Podcast Live: San Diego: https://rss.com/podcasts/tsp-live-san-diego/ The Think Small Podcast Live: Washington DC: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-think-small-podcast-live-washington-dc/ The Think Small Podcast: Health and Wellness: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-think-small-podcast-medical-alley/ The Think Small Podcast: Legal: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-think-small-podcast-legal/ Women Who Lead: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-think-small-podcast-women-who-lead/ The Offshore Diaries: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-offshore-diaries/

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