The Small Business Safari

Chris Lalomia
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Have you ever sat there and wondered "What am I doing here stuck in the concrete zoo of the corporate world?" Are you itching to get out? Chris Lalomia and his co-host Alan Wyatt traverse the jungle of entrepreneurship. Together they share their stories and help you explore the wild world of SCALING your business. With many years of owning their own small businesses, they love to give insight to the aspiring entrepreneur. So, are you ready to make the jump?

  1. 3일 전

    Building Systems that Actually Work in Construction | Eric Fortenberry

    Send us a text In this episode, Eric Fortenberry takes us through his unique journey—from software entrepreneur, to running a construction company, to discovering firsthand the operational flaws that hold businesses back. What started as troubleshooting for his own company turned into the creation of JobTread, a platform designed to solve the biggest pain points in the construction industry. Gold Nuggets from Eric’s journey: Working on Estimating First to get the profit built into the Job UpfrontBuilding documentation systems that clearly define project scopes and make change orders simple and enforceableFixing the “shopping and shit” TIME WASTER by moving crews from hourly pay to fixed-price workDriving a business turnaround from $5M to $8M in revenue with a 43% jump in gross profit in just one yearScaling JobTread from 200 customers in 2021 to more than 7,500 today (adding 500+ new accounts monthly)Structured onboarding, training programs to ensure customer successEric shares powerful insights that every business owner can use to tighten operations, boost profits, and scale with confidence. Visit jobtread.com to learn more or schedule a demo. Eric is also active in the JobTread Pros Facebook group with over 7,000 members and can be reached directly at eric@jobtread.com. https://www.youtube.com/JobTread https://www.facebook.com/JobTread/ https://www.instagram.com/jobtread https://www.linkedin.com/company/jobtread/ https://x.com/JobTread

    1시간 9분

  2. 8월 26일

    From Corporate to Coach: Ellen Tyler's Journey to Success

    Send us a text What happens when a business owner reaches their breaking point? In this raw, unfiltered conversation with business coach Ellen Tyler, we explore the reality behind those make-or-break moments that define entrepreneurial journeys. The episode opens with host Chris Lalomia sharing his recent experience making the painful decision to let go of a 12-year employee after months of declining performance. This leads to a fascinating discussion about the fundamental difference between corporate management and small business ownership—when it's YOUR money on the line, tough decisions hit differently. Ellen Tyler brings a refreshing perspective as a business coach who claims to "care less about your business" than about the person running it. Drawing from her successful career in financial services (a 95% male-dominated industry) and her experience coaching primarily women entrepreneurs, Ellen challenges conventional wisdom about what drives business success. "It's never the money," Ellen explains, revealing how business owners often mistake revenue problems for deeper mindset issues. Her approach focuses on teaching clients to respond rather than react, start each day with intentional goal focus, and end with reflection on what went well. These simple yet powerful practices create the mental foundation for sustainable growth. The conversation takes an illuminating turn when Ellen shares insights about women in business leadership, explaining why female entrepreneurs often "settle for less" and how they can overcome unique challenges in networking and scaling their companies. Her practical advice includes asking event sponsors to introduce you to "the three most interesting people in the room"—an ingenious way to overcome networking anxiety. Whether you're struggling with difficult business decisions, seeking to improve your leadership approach, or simply looking for fresh perspectives on entrepreneurship, this episode delivers candid wisdom from two seasoned business owners and a coach who understands the human side of business success.

    59분

  3. 8월 19일

    Cash Flow: Your Business's Hidden Treasure | Mike Milan

    Send us a text Ever wondered how some businesses seem to have plenty of cash while others with similar revenue struggle to make payroll? The secret lies in understanding the financial gap between money coming in and money going out—and nobody explains this better than Cashflow Mike. In this eye-opening episode, Mike Milan shares his remarkable journey from state trooper to financial expert, revealing how accident reconstruction mathematics gave him the breakthrough he needed to understand business finances in practical, applicable ways. "I didn't understand math until I was a state trooper," Mike explains, describing how connecting abstract concepts to real-world scenarios transformed his relationship with numbers. Mike introduces us to the counterintuitive concept of "growing broke"—being so successful that you actually run out of money. Through colorful stories about his experiences running multiple businesses (from janitorial services to restaurants and property management), he illustrates how extending payment terms to clients while still needing to meet regular expenses creates a dangerous cash flow trap that can sink even thriving companies. The heart of this episode focuses on Mike's Clear Path to Cash program and how it helps businesses identify hidden cash through analyzing just nine key numbers from financial statements. This approach has helped his clients uncover over $150 million in hidden cash without increasing sales. Rather than chasing revenue, Mike emphasizes focusing on gross profit—the only cash available to cover operating expenses or contribute to net profit. For business owners feeling the cash crunch despite solid sales, this episode provides practical insights into six key calculations that reveal where cash is hiding in your business. Whether you're running a construction company, a service business, or any small to medium enterprise, Mike's accessible approach to financial analysis will transform how you view your business finances. Ready to find the hidden cash in your business? Visit cashflowmike.com for a free Seven Minute Conversation course that will help you understand your business finances better than you have all year. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemilan/ cashflowmike.com  Mike@cashflowmike.com https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=cash%20flow%20mike clear path to cash

    58분

  4. 8월 12일

    The Art of Business Law: Protecting Your Entrepreneurial Journey | Brandon Woodward

    Send us a text Ever wonder what keeps your friendly neighborhood business attorney up at night? Hint: it's watching entrepreneurs shake hands on partnerships without proper documentation, then having to pick up the pieces when it all falls apart. Brandon Woodward, founder of Woodward, Kelly, Fulton and Kaplan, cuts through the legal mystique to deliver straight talk about protecting your small business. With 25 years of experience guiding entrepreneurs through the legal landscape, Brandon shares why waiting until there's a problem to seek legal help is like trying to buy insurance while your house is already on fire. The conversation tackles those awkward but essential discussions business partners need to have while everyone's still smiling and optimistic. Brandon explains why documenting agreements upfront prevents costly disputes when unexpected circumstances arise. "Silent partners are never silent," he warns, highlighting how proper documentation protects everyone involved when reality inevitably differs from rosy projections. Cash flow challenges get special attention as Brandon reveals why collections issues can sink even profitable businesses. "A business can run in the red for decades, but you can only run out of cash one time," he notes, offering practical advice for maintaining healthy receivables without alienating clients. Perhaps most valuable is Brandon's guidance on building business cultures that retain talent. He shares a philosophy that resonates deeply: "Train employees so well they could work anywhere. Treat them so well they won't want to." Through profit-sharing and meaningful inclusion, Brandon demonstrates how legal structures can support rather than hinder positive workplace dynamics. For business owners contemplating an exit, Brandon's insights on preparing years in advance for a sale prove invaluable. His free white paper (available at wkfklaw.com) outlines steps to maximize value and ensure smooth transitions. Ready to protect what you've built? This episode delivers the legal wisdom every entrepreneur needs without the intimidating billable hours. Your business deserves more than a handshake and good intentions—give it the legal foundation to thrive. linkedin.com/in/wkfklw.com  wkfklw.com  facebook.com/WoodwardCounsel

    51분

  5. 8월 5일

    Franchise Mastery from a PRO | James Hilovsky

    Send us a text James Holivsky of The Fran Dream shares his journey from corporate America to helping athletes and professionals find the right franchise fit, revealing what makes a successful franchise owner and which concepts offer the best opportunities today. • After 25 years in corporate America, James helped grow a restaurant chain from 1 to 100 stores before partnering with NFL players on various concepts • Athletes excel at franchise ownership because they're accustomed to following playbooks and betting on themselves • The most successful franchisees follow established systems rather than trying to reinvent them • Current hot franchise opportunities include indoor golf simulators with 24/7 access and minimal staffing requirements • Dog grooming concepts with membership models offer strong margins and recurring revenue • Home service businesses, children's education, and senior care will continue to be strong franchise sectors • Semi-passive ownership is possible but requires initial hands-on involvement and strong managers • James personally vets franchises by examining profit margins, startup costs, and franchisee satisfaction • When evaluating franchises, the most important question to ask existing owners is "Would you do it again?" • Finding the right franchise requires clarity about your goals: semi-passive income, multi-unit operation, or building generational wealth If you're interested in exploring franchise opportunities, visit TheFranDream.com or email James at james@thefrandream.com. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhilovsky/ https://www.instagram.com/thefrandream/?hl=en #franchise#franchisee#franchisor#professional#athlete#playbook#golf#goldsimulator#thefrandream#smallbusiness#money#love#joshaltman

    59분

  6. 7월 29일

    Brewing Success: A Father-Son Beer Business Story | Charles & Clay Gridley

    Send us a text Charles and Clay Gridley, the father-son duo behind Six Bridges Brewing, share their journey from homebrewers to successful craft brewery owners with two locations in Georgia's Johns Creek and Milton areas. They reveal how strategic infrastructure planning, distribution partnerships, and community engagement have helped them thrive for seven years in a competitive market. • Started as homebrewers before investing Charles' retirement savings to launch Georgia's first father-son brewery • Built larger infrastructure than initially needed to avoid costly upgrades later, making expansion easier • Navigated Georgia's three-tier distribution system by carefully selecting the right distributor partner • Boldly expanded to a second location during November 2020 despite pandemic uncertainties • Created community gathering spaces with events, special releases like the popular "Love Tractor" peach IPA • Integrated family throughout the business, with Clay's wife managing the Milton location and Charles' brother handling production • Constantly adapting to industry trends while maintaining core business principles • Named "Six Bridges" after the six roads with "bridge" in their names throughout Johns Creek Come visit one of our two locations in Johns Creek or Milton to experience our craft beers, spirits, and community atmosphere. If you can name all six bridges without looking at our mural, your first pint is on us! www.sixbridgesbrewing.com https://www.facebook.com/6BridgesBrewing https://www.linkedin.com/company/six-bridges-brewing/ https://www.instagram.com/sixbridgesbrewing/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/sixbridgescrabapple/?hl=en #beer#love#money#distillery#taproom#beergarden#dogfriendly##packagebeer#livemusic#foodtrucks#beerdistribution#entertainment#patio#IPA#tiptop#lovetractor#sours#bourbon#rum#singlemaltwhiskey#whiskey#barbeque#prohibition#keylimepie# casualatmosphere#family

    52분

  7. 7월 22일

    Protecting Your Brand at All Costs: The Art of Food Entrepreneurship | Andrea & Derek Johnston

    Send us a text Derek and Andrea Johnston share their journey from enjoying a charcuterie board on their first date to founding The Gathering Board, a successful charcuterie business started during the pandemic. • Started business without formal planning after discovering no similar services existed in their area • Built their website in three days and received their first non-friend order while grocery shopping • Initially operated as a "bootleg" business until securing proper licensing and a commercial space • Gained traction through Facebook group "Cherokee Connect," generating 500 website visits overnight • Adopted Gordon Ramsay's quality standards after Andrea watched Hell's Kitchen while recovering from a broken jaw • Expanded from small home delivery boards to event catering, now representing 75% of their business • Secured their liquor license to provide full-service events including charcuterie and their signature "Pasta Baby" dish • Partner with Rally Foundation for childhood cancer research, raising $20,000 through donated services • Now employ a manager plus several staff members after five years in business • Maintain the same high standards for every client regardless of size or profile Follow the same high standards for all your work because you never know when a small job will lead to a major opportunity – many clients try a small order before booking a wedding or large event. andrea@thegatheringboard.co https://www.instagram.com/thegatheringboard.co/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/thegatheringboard.co/?ref=_xav_ig_profile_page_web# www.thegatheringboard.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-johnston-70a8271bb/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnston-4806746a/ #rallyfoundation#pastababy#focaccia#cherokeecountyfacebook#rallyontherunway#charcuterieboard#love#wine#pasta#grazingtables#catering#delivery#Atlanta#smallbusiness#money#entreprenuer

    1시간 1분

  8. 7월 15일

    Spray It, Don't Say It: Making Waves in Pressure Washing | Justin Reames

    Send us a text Justin shares his entrepreneurial journey from math teacher to software sales professional to exterior cleaning business owner, revealing how a layoff turned his side hustle into a full-time venture. • Started with just $4,000 investment and his wife's blessing to "go fail" • Prioritized education by traveling to learn from industry veterans rather than figuring it out alone • Discovered algae on roofs is a living organism eating away at shingles, requiring cleaning every 5-7 years • Partnered with insurance companies who were looking to reduce their risk from unmaintained properties • Built a custom pump system capable of cleaning 4-5 story buildings from the ground without ladders • Broke his arm in a ladder accident, forcing him to hire and train others—accelerating business growth • Doubled business in year two through networking, particularly through BNI membership • Now considering vertical integration by acquiring a chemical distribution dealership • Exploring development of a direct-to-consumer product to help homeowners properly clean exteriors If you're facing algae streaks on your roof or need exterior cleaning services in the Atlanta area, reach out to Justin at myexteriorcleaner.com or find them on Instagram and LinkedIn. #myexteriorcleaner #heretohelp linkedin.com/in/justin-reames myexteriorcleaner.com #pressure#cleaner#clean#boats#BNI#algae#roofs#love#money#ladders#solutions#pressurewashing#pressurewashingsolutions#insurance#help

    1시간 2분
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30개의 평가

소개

Have you ever sat there and wondered "What am I doing here stuck in the concrete zoo of the corporate world?" Are you itching to get out? Chris Lalomia and his co-host Alan Wyatt traverse the jungle of entrepreneurship. Together they share their stories and help you explore the wild world of SCALING your business. With many years of owning their own small businesses, they love to give insight to the aspiring entrepreneur. So, are you ready to make the jump?

정보

  • 제작진
    Chris Lalomia
  • 방송 연도
    2021년 - 2025년
  • 에피소드
    244
  • 등급
    무삭제판
  • 저작권
    © 2025 The Small Business Safari
  • 웹사이트 보기
    The Small Business Safari

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