Wabash Valley Business Podcast

Solve Don't Sell
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Entrepreneurship

We understand how challenging it can be to feel like you're going it alone. Our podcast features experienced entrepreneurs with a diverse background, ready to share insights.

Episodes

  1. Turning Your Hobby Into a Legitimate Business | Interview W/ RJ Mahurin Founder of Snap Home Media

    Apr 23

    Turning Your Hobby Into a Legitimate Business | Interview W/ RJ Mahurin Founder of Snap Home Media

    summary In this candid interview, a small business owner shares the top three lessons learned from a year of running Snap Home, emphasizing patience, humility, and flexibility. Discover practical insights on growing a business sustainably, managing ego, and adapting to change. keywords business growth, entrepreneurship, leadership, patience, humility, flexibility, small business lessons, Snap Home, business strategy, team building key topics Patience in business growthLeaving ego behind for better leadershipFlexibility and adaptability in business takeaways Steady, consistent growth is more sustainable than rapid expansion.Leaving ego at the door fosters better teamwork and client relationships.Flexibility allows entrepreneurs to adapt to changing circumstances and leverage new opportunities. guest name Rj Mahurin & Sam Wake titles 3 Key Lessons from a Year of Growing Snap HomeHow Patience and Flexibility Drive Business Success Sound Bites "Steady, continued growth is the key.""Patience is the first lesson.""Leave your ego at the door." Chapters 00:00Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast 00:28The Question: Lessons Learned in the Past Year 01:07First Lesson: The Importance of Patience 02:17Second Lesson: Letting Go of Ego 03:50The Challenge of Scaling and Paying People Fairly 04:15The Value of Patience in Business 04:27The Role of Ego in Leadership 05:53Serving Clients and Partnering for Success 07:01The Power of Flexibility and Openness 08:12Learning from Experience and Embracing Change 09:06Building a Team and Delegating Effectively 09:34The Gift of Flexibility and Not Taking Life Too Seriously 11:12Trust and Partnership in Business 12:44Recap of Key Lessons: Patience, Ego, Flexibility 13:12Closing Remarks and Office Tour content type Interview primary goalEducational

    14 min
  2. Wabash Valley Boy Builds a Successful Business in Texas | Interview w/ Nate Wake

    Mar 30

    Wabash Valley Boy Builds a Successful Business in Texas | Interview w/ Nate Wake

    In this episode, Nate Wake (native to the Wabash Valley) shares his journey from a handyman to a successful contractor in Texas, highlighting the importance of relationships, detailed planning, and adaptability in the construction industry. Discover how he transitioned into luxury outdoor living spaces, built a strong network, and maintained high standards in a competitive market. keywords Construction, Contracting, Outdoor Living, Texas, Business Growth, Networking, Project Management, Entrepreneurship, Home Renovation, Luxury Homes key topics Nate Wake's background and journey in construction Transition from Midwest to Texas market Importance of relationships and networking in business Full turnkey project approach and detailed planning Entering luxury outdoor living and pool construction Managing client expectations and communication Lessons learned from project challenges and mistakes guest name Nate Wake key frameworks Full Turnkey Project Approach Client Expectation Management action items Build strong relationships and network actively Plan projects in detail before starting Set clear expectations with clients early Be honest about potential problems and challenges Focus on quality and attention to detail Nate Wake sound bites "Five years in business is a huge milestone." "Honesty about problems sets us apart." "Doing the right thing builds good karma." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 04:11 Early Stories and Entrepreneurial Spirit 08:02 Starting in Texas and Business Expansion 13:00 Specialization in Outdoor Living and Pools 17:09 Differentiating Through Full Turnkey Projects 21:02 Getting Into Luxury and High-End Projects 25:48 Building a Reputation and Networking 29:58 Market Demographics and Targeting Niche Markets 31:53 Landing Large Projects and Business Growth 36:12 Managing Client Expectations and Communication 40:01 Handling Project Challenges and Mistakes 43:46 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts resources Solve, Don't Sell - https://solvedontsell.com Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance - https://www.inbf.com FlexPoint Spaces - https://flexpointspaces.com guest links LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/natewake Website - https://weightcraftllc.com

    50 min
  3. Black Barn Developments Special - With Shane Floyd and Matt Willmore

    Feb 18

    Black Barn Developments Special - With Shane Floyd and Matt Willmore

    keywordsWabash Valley, Barn Dominiums, Black Barn Development, Construction, Design Center, Custom Homes, Commercial Projects, Building Practices, Real Estate, Indiana takeaways Matt Wilmore shares his journey into the construction business.The importance of a design center for customer engagement.Black Barn Development was born from a shared vision.Barn dominium market is growing due to its unique appeal.Understanding the cost structure of building a barn dominium.Customization options are crucial for client satisfaction.Energy efficiency is a key selling point for barn dominiums.The building practices set Black Barn apart from competitors.Commercial projects are a new venture for Black Barn Development.The importance of community and collaboration in business.summaryIn this episode of the Wabash Valley Business Podcast, host Sam Wake interviews Matt Wilmore, co-founder of Black Barn Development. They discuss Matt's journey into the construction industry, the creation of a design center, and the rise of barn dominiums as a popular housing option. The conversation delves into the unique building practices of Black Barn Development, the importance of customization for clients, and their expansion into commercial projects. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the significance of community, collaboration, and innovation in the construction business. titles Building Dreams: The Black Barn Development StoryFrom Tornado to Triumph: The Journey of Matt WilmoreSound Bites "This is not going to go anywhere.""We wanted to bring people in.""We can build businesses' dreams."Chapters 00:00Introduction to the Wabash Valley Business Podcast 01:53The Journey of Matt Wilmore and Sam Wake 06:11Creating the Design Center 08:55The Birth of Black Barn Development 11:53Understanding Barn Dominiums 17:04Building Practices and Market Insights 24:02The Process from Idea to Keys 26:01Understanding the Importance of Pre-Approval 30:38Exploring the Appeal of Barn Dominiums 34:55What Sets Black Barn Apart 44:05Expanding into Commercial Ventures

    51 min
  4. 51 Bridges Crossfit - Jen Pendleton - Interview

    Feb 3

    51 Bridges Crossfit - Jen Pendleton - Interview

    keywords Wabash Valley, CrossFit, local business, entrepreneurship, community, fitness, health, coaching, transformation, culture summary In this episode of the Wabash Valley Business Podcast, host Sam Wake interviews Jen Pendleton, the owner of 51 Bridges CrossFit. They discuss the unique aspects of her gym, her personal transformation, and the importance of community and culture in fitness. Jen shares her journey of losing 115 pounds and how she aims to create an inclusive environment for all fitness levels. The conversation also touches on the challenges of running a business in a small town and the future plans for 51 Bridges CrossFit, including expanding offerings and focusing on nutrition. takeaways Your network is your net worth.51 Bridges CrossFit is named after the 51 covered bridges in the region.Jen lost 115 pounds and transformed her life through CrossFit.The gym aims to reduce the time it takes for people to get from their couch to the gym.Community and culture are essential for retention in fitness.Hard work is what makes fitness rewarding.CrossFit is about more than just physical fitness; it's about mental strength too.The gym offers a welcoming environment for all fitness levels.Jen emphasizes the importance of nutrition in overall health.The future plans for the gym include expanding offerings and focusing on community engagement.titles Transforming Lives at 51 Bridges CrossFitBuilding Community Through FitnessSound Bites "Your network is your net worth.""I lost 115 pounds in total.""CrossFit is countercultural."Chapters 00:00Welcome to the Wabash Valley Business Podcast 02:48Introducing Jen Pendleton and 51 Bridges CrossFit 05:40The Origin Story of 51 Bridges CrossFit 14:09What Makes 51 Bridges Unique? 21:44Jen's Personal Transformation and Coaching Philosophy 30:23Building Community and Culture in CrossFit 39:19The Importance of Hard Work and Grit 48:20Future Plans for 51 Bridges CrossFit

    1h 5m
  5. Clay Plant - Building Business in a Small Town - Interview

    Jan 18

    Clay Plant - Building Business in a Small Town - Interview

    Summary In this episode of the Wabash Valley Business Podcast, hosts Sam Wake and Shane Floyd welcome Courtney and Austin Cook, the dynamic duo behind Clay Plant, a pottery business that blossomed from a shared passion into a thriving enterprise. The conversation delves into their journey, starting from their early relationship where they discovered their mutual love for pottery, to the challenges and triumphs of building a business in a small community. They emphasize the importance of local support and the unique advantages of operating in a rural area, where community pride fuels small businesses. The couple shares insights on their growth, the role of social media in their success, and the balance between personal and professional life as they navigate entrepreneurship together. Throughout the discussion, Courtney and Austin reflect on the hard work and dedication required to turn their passion into a full-time venture, highlighting the significance of relationships in business and the joy of creating art that resonates with their community. They also touch on future plans, including expanding their product offerings and hosting more community events, showcasing their commitment to fostering creativity and connection in the Wabash Valley. Keywords Wabash Valley, Clay Plant, pottery business, entrepreneurship, local community, small business, social media marketing, handmade pottery, business journey, rural entrepreneurship Takeaways Your network is your net worth.Building a business in a small community fosters strong local support.Social media success takes time and consistency.It's important to separate personal and business life when working with a partner.Starting a business requires passion and dedication. Titles From Passion to Pottery: The Clay Plant JourneyBuilding Community Through Clay: Courtney and Austin's Story Sound Bites "It wasn't an overnight success.""Your network is your net worth.""You just got to start." Chapters 00:00Introduction to Clay Plant and Its Founders 06:43The Journey from Hobby to Business 12:14Building a Community and Online Presence 20:09The Challenges of Entrepreneurship 30:05The Importance of Risk and Growth 40:21The Role of Social Media in Business 49:30Future Plans and Seasonal Offerings 55:16Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

    1h 4m
  6. Kevin Rickard - Making Mistakes & Building Culture - Riverview Home Improvements - Interview

    Jan 4

    Kevin Rickard - Making Mistakes & Building Culture - Riverview Home Improvements - Interview

    🎙️ Wabash Valley Business Podcast | Kevin Rickard – Riverview Home Improvements In this episode of the Wabash Valley Business Podcast, we sit down with Kevin Rickard, owner of Riverview Home Improvements, to talk about what actually goes into building a trustworthy business. Kevin doesn’t sugarcoat the journey. We dive into: Owning mistakes when things don’t go as plannedHaving hard, honest conversations with customersBuilding a company culture rooted in accountability and prideWhat leadership looks like when no one’s watchingPractical advice for entrepreneurs trying to grow without losing their integrityThis conversation is especially relevant for: ✔️ Business owners ✔️ Contractors & service professionals ✔️ Entrepreneurs navigating growth pains ✔️ Leaders who care about doing things the right way Kevin shares real lessons learned in the trenches—lessons that don’t show up in highlight reels or motivational quotes, but do determine whether a business earns long-term trust. If you’re building something in the Wabash Valley (or anywhere) and want a reminder that honesty, ownership, and culture still matter—this episode is for you. 👇 Subscribe for more conversations spotlighting real Wabash Valley business owners 👍 Like the episode if it helped you 💬 Comment with your biggest takeaway

    57 min
  7. Chris Egge - "The Veteran Entrepreneur"

    12/14/2025

    Chris Egge - "The Veteran Entrepreneur"

    summary In this episode of the Wabash Valley Business Podcast, Chris Egge shares his journey from a military background to becoming a successful entrepreneur with his business, Sycamore Seal and Stripe. He discusses the importance of networking, community engagement, and innovative solutions in the asphalt maintenance industry. Chris emphasizes the value of mentorship and relationships in business, as well as the challenges and lessons learned along the way. He also provides advice for young entrepreneurs and highlights the significance of building trust with customers. takeaways Your net worth is based on your network.Starting a business often requires a leap of faith and hard work.Building relationships in the community is crucial for business success.Innovative solutions can differentiate your business in a competitive market.Mentorship can provide invaluable guidance for new entrepreneurs.Failure can be a powerful motivator and learning opportunity.Effective communication with customers builds trust and loyalty.Navigating challenges requires adaptability and resilience.Community engagement can enhance your business's reputation.Investing in education and awareness can lead to better business practices. Sound Bites "I started stacking brick by hand.""You can’t win them all.""If you build it, they will come." Chapters 00:00Introduction to Chris Aggie and His Background 06:33Transitioning from Manufacturing to Entrepreneurship 12:54The Birth of Sycamore Seal and Stripe 20:20Building Relationships and Community Engagement 26:28Innovative Solutions in Asphalt Maintenance 32:58Navigating Challenges in Business 39:54Advice for Young Entrepreneurs 57:04Recommendations for Future Guests Keywords entrepreneurship, business, community, asphalt maintenance, veteran-owned, networking, mentorship, manufacturing, local business, innovation

    1 hr
  8. Christy Pearison aka..."The Professor" - Interview

    12/01/2025

    Christy Pearison aka..."The Professor" - Interview

    Episode 1: Finding Your Purpose with Christy PearisonIn our very first episode, we sit down with Christy Pearison—professor, business owner, entrepreneur, and thought leader—to explore one of the most important drivers of success: purpose. This conversation dives deep into how purpose, passion, and personal values shape the way we face challenges in life and business. Christy shares why developing your core ideology—a clear understanding of who you are and what you stand for—is the foundation for overcoming any obstacle. From not having money, investors, or even a location, Christy reminds us that resourcefulness begins in the palm of your hand. When your passion aligns with your purpose, nothing can stop you. What You’ll LearnWhy knowing your purpose is non-negotiableHow to build a strong core ideologyThe power of aligning passion with personal valuesWhy every obstacle has a solution—if you’re rooted in who you areHow entrepreneurs can move forward even without funding, connections, or ideal circumstancesKey Takeaways“You got to know purpose.”“When purpose and passion mate together, nothing can stop you.”“We can figure that out.”Possible TitlesFinding Your Purpose: The Key to SuccessAligning Passion with Values

    1h 11m
  • 8 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

We understand how challenging it can be to feel like you're going it alone. Our podcast features experienced entrepreneurs with a diverse background, ready to share insights.

Information

  • Creator
    Solve Don't Sell
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Solve Don't Sell