In Good Company with Mike Thomas

Mike Thomas
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Weekly

We believe the best parts of business happen in Good Company. Each week, we dive into the stories of successful entrepreneurs, business owners and marketing colleagues who have built their business the right way - with integrity, passion and a commitment to genuine connections. Let's change the world! 🎉

  1. 3d ago

    068: The Business of Breaking Things w/ Steve Shortino

    In this episode of In Good Company, Mike sits down with Steve Shortino, founder of iSmash, a family entertainment brand known for its rage rooms, blacklight paint splatter rooms, axe throwing, and immersive experiences. What started as an unconventional idea has grown into a rapidly expanding franchise business with locations across the country and hundreds of future locations committed. Steve shares the story behind iSmash, from working at his family’s CNC machine shop and exploring everything from selling video game items to building fishing rods, to discovering the concept of rage rooms and recognizing an opportunity to bring something unique to his region. He opens up about the early challenges of building the business, finding the right people to help take iSmash to the next level, and ultimately turning the concept into a franchise. Throughout the conversation, Steve offers insight into what it really takes to build and grow a business.  From marketing and social media to franchising and leadership, Steve gives an honest look at the lessons he's learned while turning a unique idea into a rapidly growing brand; while also sharing one of his biggest rules in business: never make major decisions when you're emotional. From marketing and social media to franchising and leadership, Steve gives an honest look at the lessons he's learned while turning a unique idea into a rapidly growing brand. This podcast is presented by Thomas Media Group. Thomas Media Group is a full-service digital marketing agency located in Rochester, NY. More info here: www.thomasmediagroup.co

  2. Aug 26

    066: The Guy Behind Dodgy Dines w/ Ryan Wilson

    In this episode of In Good Company, Mike sits down with Ryan Wilson, better known around Rochester as Dodgy Dines, a food reviewer, day trader, entrepreneur and creator who has built an unconventional path centered around freedom and doing things on his own terms. Ryan shares the story behind his journey from working as a dishwasher and quietly learning to trade to becoming a full-time day trader, building a community of more than 500,000 people, and creating a recognizable personal brand through his food reviews. He opens up about the losses, failures, mindset shifts and people who helped shape his journey along the way. Throughout the conversation, one idea keeps coming back: success isn't always about following the traditional path — it's about finding what works for you and having the discipline to keep going. From trading and entrepreneurship to social media, faith and surrounding yourself with people who push you forward, Ryan offers a candid look at what it takes to build a life around freedom and purpose. This podcast is presented by Thomas Media Group. Thomas Media Group is a full-service digital marketing agency located in Rochester, NY. More info here: www.thomasmediagroup.co.

  3. Aug 25

    064: Why Waiting Costs You More w/ Ron Porter

    In this episode of In Good Company, Mike sits down with longtime friend and entrepreneur Ron Porter to talk about launching a business, embracing uncertainty, and why taking action is often more important than having the perfect plan. What does it take to turn a dream into reality? Ron shares his journey from growing up on a farm and working as an executive chef to becoming a business owner, husband, and father later in life. Together, they discuss faith, family, entrepreneurship, and the lessons that come from building something with purpose. Whether you're thinking about starting a business or simply looking for encouragement to take your next step, this episode is full of practical wisdom and honest conversation. This podcast is presented by Thomas Media Group. Thomas Media Group is a full-service digital marketing agency located in Rochester, NY. More info here: www.thomasmediagroup.co.

  4. Aug 25

    065: The Business You’re Called to Build w/ Alisha Banks

    In this episode of In Good Company, Mike sits down with Alisha Banks, a Rochester native, holistic health practitioner, coach, entrepreneur and mom who took a major leap of faith when she left her corporate career to build a business around the life she felt called to live. Alisha shares the real story behind that transition from leaving behind a stable two-income household to figuring out how to make entrepreneurship financially work, building her wellness practice, and eventually realizing that growing a social media following wasn't the same thing as building a sustainable business. Throughout the conversation, one idea keeps coming back: you don't have to build the business everyone else is building. You have to build the one that supports the life you're actually called to live. If you're an entrepreneur, a parent, or someone sitting at the intersection of purpose and practicality, this episode is for you. This podcast is presented by Thomas Media Group. Thomas Media Group is a full-service digital marketing agency located in Rochester, NY. More info here: www.thomasmediagroup.co.

  5. Aug 4

    063: Qualifying for the U.S. Open w/ Jackson Ormond

    In this episode of In Good Company, Mike sits down with Rochester golfer Jackson Ormond to talk about his journey from growing up in Webster to qualifying for one of golf’s biggest stages: the U.S. Open. Jackson shares what it took to earn his spot, the whirlwind experience of competing alongside the world’s best golfers, and how the moment gave him even more confidence in his path toward playing professionally. He also opens up about the role faith, family, mentors, and perseverance have played throughout his journey and how he responds when things don’t go as planned. Plus, Jackson shares advice for everyday golfers, why nerves can be a good thing, and the dream foursome he’d choose if given the chance. This podcast is presented by Thomas Media Group. Thomas Media Group is a full-service digital marketing agency located in Rochester, NY. More info here: www.thomasmediagroup.co.

  6. Jul 22

    062: The Courage to Reinvent Yourself w/ Alana Cummings

    In this episode, we sit down with Alana Cummings, founder of Superbloom, to talk about what it really takes to leave a successful career behind and build a life that feels aligned with who you are. From navigating the fashion industry in New York City to helping organizations create healthier workplace cultures, Alana shares how every chapter of her journey prepared her for the leap into entrepreneurship. We unpack the realities of imposter syndrome, why confidence is built through action, not perfection, and how moments of uncertainty often become the catalyst for our greatest growth. Alana also opens up about the role gratitude, reflection, and meditation have played in her journey, why investing in yourself is often the first step toward meaningful change, and how coaching has become the vehicle for helping others step into their own potential. If you're feeling stuck in your career, standing at the edge of a big decision, or wondering whether it's finally time to bet on yourself, this episode is filled with honest encouragement and practical wisdom for taking the next step with courage. This podcast is presented by Thomas Media Group. Thomas Media Group is a full-service digital marketing agency located in Rochester, NY. More info here: www.thomasmediagroup.co.

  7. Jul 15

    061: The Business of Local Storytelling w/ Hope Breen

    In this episode, we sit down with Hope Breen, creator of ROC the city with Hope, to talk about how a passion for highlighting Rochester turned into a full-time business built on authenticity, community, and genuine connection. From being rejected by Disney four times to growing an audience of more than 70,000 followers across social media, Hope shares how every detour in her career ultimately led her to exactly where she was meant to be. We dive into the leap from side hustle to full-time entrepreneurship, the realities of life as a content creator, and why organic social media continues to outperform traditional advertising when it's built on trust instead of trends. Hope also shares what brands get wrong about influencer marketing, how she protects her authenticity while working with businesses, the importance of embracing rejection, and why Rochester has become the perfect place to build something meaningful. If you're an entrepreneur, creator, small business owner, or someone wondering if it's time to take a chance on yourself, this episode is packed with practical insight and encouragement to keep showing up - even when the path doesn't go according to plan. This podcast is presented by Thomas Media Group. Thomas Media Group is a full-service digital marketing agency located in Rochester, NY. More info here: www.thomasmediagroup.co.

  8. Jun 30

    060: Flipping the Script on Home Services w/ Dave Scribani

    In this episode of In Good Company, Mike sits down with Dave Scribanni, owner of Glass Therapy Clarksville, to talk about how he's disrupting the home service industry through smart digital advertising. Dave shares why so many home service businesses struggle to grow: most owners are skilled technicians at their core but were never taught how to market themselves online. Whether you're a tradesperson looking to grow, an entrepreneur curious about digital advertising, or a business owner trying to stand out in your market, this episode is packed with practical insight on building a service business that gets noticed. This podcast is presented by Thomas Media Group, a full-service digital marketing agency located in Rochester, NY. More info here: www.thomasmediagroup.co

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We believe the best parts of business happen in Good Company. Each week, we dive into the stories of successful entrepreneurs, business owners and marketing colleagues who have built their business the right way - with integrity, passion and a commitment to genuine connections. Let's change the world! 🎉

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