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. 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: Website: https://frblaw.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-black-7631035

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

  2. 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)

  3. 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)

  4. 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)

  5. 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)

  6. Sep 11

    Scaling a Cleaning Business with Virtual Assistants: Building Freedom Through Systems (Kyle Dusi, Founder & Owner, Cool Cat Cleaning)

    In this episode of The Think Small Podcast, Kyle Dusi, founder of Cool Cat Cleaning, shares how he went from more than 20 years in phone sales to building a successful residential and commercial cleaning business across California and Washington. He explains how starting the business part-time allowed him to make the transition gradually, and how sales experience, technology, and strong business systems helped him scale to hundreds of cleaning jobs each month. Kyle also dives into the game-changing role virtual assistants have played in his business, from handling leads and scheduling to managing day-to-day operations and solving problems while he steps away. He shares lessons on delegation, hiring and training remote talent in the Philippines, building reliable processes, finding the right business community, and creating a company that gives him more time for his family, travel, and life outside of work. Connect: Website: https://coolcatcleaning.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-dusi

    Scaling a Cleaning Business with Virtual Assistants: Building Freedom Through Systems (Kyle Dusi, Founder & Owner, Cool Cat Cleaning)

  7. Sep 10

    Block by Block: How Adam Duininck Rebuilt Downtown Minneapolis' Growth (Adam Duininck, President and CEO, Minneapolis Downtown Council/Downtown Improvement District)

    In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Adam Duininck, President and CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council and Downtown Improvement District, discuss the realities of leading one of the country's most visible urban revitalization efforts. Adam shares how his team is tackling public safety, economic development, workforce challenges, and community engagement while creating a long-term vision for a stronger, more vibrant downtown Minneapolis. The conversation explores the power of coalition-building, the importance of honest leadership during periods of change, and why successful recovery isn't about returning to the past—it's about building something better. Adam also shares valuable insights for business leaders on navigating uncertainty, surrounding yourself with the right mentors, and creating momentum through optimism, collaboration, and continuous growth. Connect: Website: https://www.mplsdid.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-duininck-155b8a5/

    Block by Block: How Adam Duininck Rebuilt Downtown Minneapolis' Growth (Adam Duininck, President and CEO, Minneapolis Downtown Council/Downtown Improvement District)

  8. Sep 3

    Building the Future: Leadership, Workforce Development & Growth in Construction (Marissa Bankert, President & CEO, Associated Builders and Contractors Eastern Pennsylvania (ABC Eastern PA))

    In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Marissa Bankert, President & CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors Eastern Pennsylvania, shares how ABC Eastern PA helps contractors navigate workforce shortages, leadership development, apprenticeship programs, safety initiatives, and sustainable business growth. Marissa discusses the challenges of managing rapid industry expansion, why coaching and peer networks are essential for business owners, and how construction careers are changing through technology, innovation, and new workforce pathways. She also offers her perspective on the future of construction in Eastern Pennsylvania, highlighting opportunities in data centers, healthcare, life sciences, and apprenticeship programs while emphasizing the importance of operational excellence and long-term leadership. Connect: Website: https://abceastpa.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-bankert-bb049640/

    Building the Future: Leadership, Workforce Development & Growth in Construction (Marissa Bankert, President & CEO, Associated Builders and Contractors Eastern Pennsylvania (ABC Eastern PA))
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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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