Entrepreneurs Corner Podcast

John Misarti

Real Stories. Real Lessons. Real Growth. Entrepreneurs’ Corner Podcast is where host John Misarti sits down with entrepreneurs and business owners for honest conversations about what it really takes to build something of their own. Each episode goes beyond the highlight reel to explore the real journey behind the business — how it started, the challenges along the way, the decisions that shaped it, the lessons learned, and what comes next. From local business owners and service-based entrepreneurs to founders, operators, and online business owners, every guest brings a different story and perspective. These aren’t polished success stories or scripted interviews. They’re real conversations about the wins, setbacks, mistakes, growth, and experiences that come with entrepreneurship. If you’re building a business, thinking about starting one, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind the people who make businesses happen, Entrepreneurs’ Corner Podcast is for you. New conversations. New perspectives. Real entrepreneurs.

Episodes

  1. Oct 16

    How to Build a Business Around Your Life, Network, and Expertise with Darren Tompkins!

    What does it really take to leave the W-2 world and build a business on your own terms? In Episode 8 of the Entrepreneurs' Corner Podcast, I sit down with Darren Tompkins, founder and CEO of VedaRay, to talk about his transition from military service and the corporate world into entrepreneurship. Darren shares how his experience in recruiting helped him recognize an opportunity to build a different kind of company with one powered heavily by relationships, referrals, specialized talent, and technology. We get into how VedaRay uses AI as a “force multiplier” in recruiting, why generic job descriptions struggle to attract strong candidates, and how technology can reduce weeks of recruiting work without eliminating the human judgment required to make the right hire. Darren also explains why relationships have been so important to his growth. Instead of relying heavily on cold outreach, his business grew from his existing network, referrals, and solving problems for people he already knew. What You’ll Learn How Darren transitioned from military and corporate life into entrepreneurship Why his first clients came from existing relationships How AI can accelerate the recruiting and screening process Why a great job description matters more than many employers realize How VedaRay approaches recruiting, engineering support, and virtual professionals Why Darren chose to bootstrap rather than immediately pursue outside capital How to recognize business opportunities inside your existing professional network Why Darren believes aspiring entrepreneurs should “set the date” before leaving their W-2 How he built his company around his family and personal life, not the other way around Chapters 00:00 Meet Darren Tompkins 01:15 From the Army to Oil & Gas 03:00 Making the Jump Into Entrepreneurship 04:15 Inside VedaRay’s Business Model 06:15 Military Leadership vs. Corporate Leadership 07:45 Hiring Experts Where You Lack Expertise 08:35 How VedaRay Uses AI in Recruiting 11:25 Finding Candidates and Clients 13:20 Why Recruiting Is a Relationship Business 15:10 Writing Job Descriptions People Want to Apply For 17:10 Building a Business Around Your Life 18:40 How Darren Found His First Client 20:30 Darren’s Advice for Leaving Your W-2 22:20 How to Connect With Darren If you’ve got an awesome business journey of your own, I’d love to hear it. Apply to be a guest on the Entrepreneurs' Corner Podcast: https://entrepreneurscornerpodcast.com/booking

    How to Build a Business Around Your Life, Network, and Expertise with Darren Tompkins!

  2. Oct 9

    AI for Business Leaders: Better Decisions, Stronger Judgment, and Smarter Implementation with Heather Mallette!

    What happens when business leaders start treating AI as the decision-maker instead of a decision-making tool? In this episode of the Entrepreneurs' Corner Podcast, I sit down with Heather Mallette, founder and CEO of The Decision Line, to explore the intersection of AI, executive judgment, and leadership accountability. Heather brings more than 20 years of HR and executive leadership experience to a problem more businesses are beginning to face: How much decision-making should we actually hand over to AI? Her answer is clear, technology can inform a decision and recommend a course of action, but human judgment still carries the accountability. We break down practical examples involving employee retention, organizational problems, leadership conflict, AI implementation, and the downstream consequences that can easily be missed when leaders focus only on the immediate numbers. We also talk about why AI won't repair broken systems, how leaders can use AI as a devil's advocate, why asking for feedback and doing nothing with it damages organizations, and why businesses may be better off starting AI adoption with a small group of internal champions. What You’ll Learn: • Why high-consequence decisions require greater human judgment • How AI can act as a devil’s advocate for business leaders • Why more information doesn't necessarily lead to better decisions • What happens when AI is added to broken systems and processes • How to introduce AI into an organization more effectively • One of the recurring leadership mistakes Heather has seen throughout her career • How entrepreneurs can turn their existing expertise into a business opportunity • Why the SBA may offer far more resources than many business owners realize CHAPTERS [00:00] – Meet Heather Mallette and The Decision Line [01:18] – Where AI Meets Executive Judgment [03:05] – Using AI to Make Better Business Decisions [05:12] – Why AI Can’t Replace Human Accountability [07:05] – More Information Doesn’t Mean Better Decisions [08:15] – Fix Your Systems Before Implementing AI [09:48] – What Working With The Decision Line Looks Like [11:45] – The Leadership Mistake Heather Sees Repeatedly [13:20] – Why Leaders Need to Act on Feedback [14:32] – Starting AI Adoption With Internal Champions [16:38] – Advice for Entrepreneurs Starting a Business [18:35] – Finding Clients Through LinkedIn and Networking [20:10] – Heather’s HR Network and Professional Associations [22:25] – Underused SBA Resources for Entrepreneurs [24:38] – What’s Next for The Decision Line [25:40] – Heather’s Upcoming AI & Judgment Book [26:35] – How to Connect With Heather [27:35] – Closing Heather also shares how The Decision Line grew from a conversation in a senior leadership group, how she finds clients, and what she is building next, including a book based on her AI and executive judgment framework. Heather's message for leaders navigating AI is simple: We should be more human, not less human with AI. Want to share your business journey on the Entrepreneurs' Corner Podcast? Got an awesome business journey? Apply to share your story here: https://entrepreneurscornerpodcast.com/booking

    AI for Business Leaders: Better Decisions, Stronger Judgment, and Smarter Implementation with Heather Mallette!

  3. Oct 2

    Building Wealth Through Real Estate, Risk Management & Diversification with Johnny Lynum!

    Building a business doesn’t always require quitting your job and going all-in overnight. In this episode of the Entrepreneurs' Corner Podcast, I sit down with Johnny Lynum, serial entrepreneur, real estate investor, retired Air Force officer, author, and founder of Lynum Capital Partners. Johnny’s entrepreneurial instincts started early from lawn care and car washing to buying products wholesale and reselling them in college. But his path eventually took him into a 20-year Air Force career while he and his wife built a real estate business on the side. We unpack how Johnny translated military leadership and risk-management skills into entrepreneurship, built a fix-and-flip operation while serving full-time, and eventually made the jump into multifamily real estate. Johnny also walks through the deal that changed his trajectory: an 18-unit property he discovered after attending a multifamily conference. We discuss how he financed that first larger deal, brought investors into the opportunity, used promissory notes alongside equity, and continued growing his portfolio. Later, we get into the next evolution of Johnny’s career as a financial advisor. He explains why diversification became increasingly important to him and discusses 1031 exchanges, Delaware Statutory Trusts, REITs, alternative investments, and the challenge real estate owners can face when transitioning wealth to the next generation. What You’ll Learn: How Johnny built a real estate business while serving in the Air Force Why risk management became one of his biggest entrepreneurial advantages How he transitioned from fix-and-flips into multifamily properties How his first 18-unit acquisition came together Different ways capital can be structured in real estate deals Why investor needs can influence whether debt or equity makes sense How 1031 exchanges and Delaware Statutory Trusts can fit into a real estate exit strategy Why Johnny eventually began diversifying beyond real estate His advice for entrepreneurs building a business while working a W-2 Why finding the right mentor can shorten your learning curve Chapters [00:00] Meet Johnny Lynum [02:55] Lessons From 20 Years in the Air Force [05:20] Why Risk Management Matters in Entrepreneurship [08:20] Building Real Estate While Working Full-Time [12:05] The Unexpected Path Into Multifamily [17:05] Finding and Buying an 18-Unit Property [21:00] Raising Capital and Structuring Real Estate Deals [25:45] Promissory Notes vs. Equity [29:20] Becoming a Financial Advisor [31:35] 1031 Exchanges and Delaware Statutory Trusts [36:20] DSTs, REITs and Long-Term Wealth Planning [39:25] Why Johnny Started Diversifying Beyond Real Estate [42:00] Johnny’s Advice for Entrepreneurs [43:10] How to Connect With Johnny Johnny’s story is a reminder that entrepreneurship rarely follows a straight line. Build a plan, manage the risk, surround yourself with the right people and keep taking action. Got an awesome business journey? Apply to share your story here: https://entrepreneurscornerpodcast.com/booking

    Building Wealth Through Real Estate, Risk Management & Diversification with Johnny Lynum!

  4. Sep 25

    Finding Your Purpose Through Leadership and Career Transitions with Brandon Jenkins!

    What happens when everything that made you successful in one chapter of your life doesn’t work the same way in the next? In Episode 5 of the Entrepreneurs' Corner Podcast, I sit down with Brandon Jenkins, a former Navy helicopter pilot, military professor, and executive coach who helps leaders navigate major transitions. After 26 years in the Navy, including four years at the Naval Academy and 22 years on active duty, Brandon turned his leadership experience toward coaching people who are moving into new arenas. That could mean transitioning from the military to civilian life, going from a W-2 career to entrepreneurship, moving from leading a team to leading other leaders, or simply entering a new chapter professionally. We get into why blindly following another person's playbook often doesn't work, why understanding your values and purpose matters, and how coaching differs from consulting, advising, mentorship, and therapy. What You'll Learn Why success in one environment may not translate directly into another Why “copy and paste” leadership can fail How values, passions, and energizing strengths influence leadership Why knowing your purpose becomes especially important during transitions The difference between coaching, consulting, advising, and mentorship Why personal and professional life may be more connected than we think How executive coaching helps people uncover their own answers rather than simply giving them advice What Brandon's coaching process looks like for clients navigating change Chapters [00:00] — Meet Brandon Jenkins [01:15] — From Navy Helicopter Pilot to Executive Coach [03:05] — Helping Leaders Transition Into New Arenas [05:10] — Coaching vs. Consulting and Advising [07:15] — Finding Your Values, Strengths, and Purpose [09:20] — Why Authentic Leadership Matters [11:10] — Integrating Your Personal and Professional Life [14:00] — Are You Ready to Go Deeper? [16:25] — Why Copy-and-Paste Leadership Doesn't Work [19:00] — Knowing What You Want and Why You Want It [21:10] — Asking Better Questions Instead of Giving Advice [24:00] — How Brandon Structures Executive Coaching [27:00] — Who Leadership Coaching Can Help [30:35] — How to Connect With Brandon Jenkins Brandon also shares how he structures his coaching relationships and the types of leaders and professionals he works with. If you’re entering a new chapter in business, leadership, or your career, this conversation offers a different way to think about what should come next. Got an awesome business journey? Apply to share your story here: https://entrepreneurscornerpodcast.com/booking

    Finding Your Purpose Through Leadership and Career Transitions with Brandon Jenkins!

  5. Sep 18

    How Entrepreneurs Can Find Purpose, Mentors, and the Courage to Start with Jack Sparling!

    What if one of the most important skills in entrepreneurship is being willing to become a beginner again? In Episode 4 of the Entrepreneurs' Corner Podcast, I sit down with Jack Sparling, co-founder of Aspire Success, to explore purpose-driven entrepreneurship, mentorship, personal development, and what it takes to keep growing when you don't have everything figured out. Jack shares how Aspire Success began in Japan in 2011, where he and his wife helped young professionals and couples gain clarity around their careers, lives, and long-term goals. Today, as Jack steps more fully into entrepreneurship himself, he's applying many of those same principles to his own journey. One of the biggest? Get comfortable being a beginner. We talk about why failure can be part of the learning process, how entrepreneurs can shorten their learning curve by surrounding themselves with experienced people, and why waiting for perfection can keep you from making meaningful progress. What You'll Learn • Why entrepreneurs need to become comfortable being beginners • How to "fail forward" and learn through experimentation • Jack's "Hot Poker Principle" for accelerating personal and professional growth • Why mentors and coaches can help shorten your learning curve • How purpose can guide your business and career decisions • What aspiring consultants and coaches should consider before getting started • Why you shouldn't wait for perfection before putting yourself out there • How Jack structures his purpose-driven coaching process Chapters 00:00 — Meet Jack Sparling of Aspire Success 00:45 — How Aspire Success Started in Japan 03:30 — Helping People Find Clarity and Purpose 06:50 — Getting Comfortable Being a Beginner 09:10 — Failing Forward and Learning From Failure 11:55 — The Hot Poker Principle 14:45 — Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Consultants 17:55 — Finding the Right Coaching and Mentorship 20:40 — Why Jack Still Invests in Coaches 22:50 — Don't Wait for Perfection 23:25 — What Purpose-Driven Coaching Looks Like 24:25 — Finding the Right Coach-Client Fit 27:00 — Turning Your Existing Skills Into Something New 29:15 — The Investment Required to Build a Business 30:10 — Jack's 3 Principles for Entrepreneurs 31:05 — Jack's Free Assessment for Listeners 32:10 — Live on Purpose Jack also shares three principles he believes entrepreneurs should remember: be comfortable being a beginner, stay close to people who help you grow, and stay true to your purpose. Got an awesome business journey? Apply to share your story here: https://entrepreneurscornerpodcast.com/booking

    How Entrepreneurs Can Find Purpose, Mentors, and the Courage to Start with Jack Sparling!

  6. Aug 28

    Why Simple Businesses Win: Franchises, Recurring Revenue & Entrepreneurship with David Bisaillon!

    What if the best business opportunity isn't exciting at all? On Episode 3 of Entrepreneurs’ Corner Podcast, host John Misarti sits down with David Bisaillon, a former pest control business owner who now works as a franchise consultant and business coach. David started in pest control without a college degree, built his own company, developed the systems needed to grow it, and eventually sold the business. Along the way, he learned firsthand how difficult entrepreneurship can be when you're building without a playbook. Today, David helps prospective entrepreneurs evaluate franchise opportunities particularly in home services and he has a strong preference for what he calls “boring/simple businesses.” What You'll Learn Why a franchise can give new entrepreneurs a valuable operating playbook What prospective franchise owners should understand before investing Why David is cautious about first-time entrepreneurs buying existing businesses How systems helped transform his pest control company What he learned while preparing and selling his business Why recurring revenue can be so powerful in service businesses How entrepreneurship can blur the line between making a living and making a life Why David believes action is one of the biggest differences between aspiring and actual entrepreneurs Chapters [00:00] — Meet David Bisaillon [01:40] — Why Franchises Give Entrepreneurs a Playbook [04:00] — Franchise Costs, Financing & SBA Loans [06:20] — What a Franchise Consultant Actually Does [08:15] — Equipment, Brand Standards & Starting the Business [10:05] — Should You Buy an Existing Business? [12:05] — David's Decision to Sell His Pest Control Company [14:20] — What It Takes to Prepare a Business for Sale [16:25] — The Power of 88% Recurring Revenue [18:05] — Systems, Entrepreneurship & Making a Life [20:25] — Life After Selling the Business [22:40] — David's One-Word Advice: Action [25:00] — Why David Loves “Boring Businesses” [27:05] — Recurring Revenue in Home Services [28:35] — Connect with David Bisaillon David also explains why services like pest control, gutter cleaning, landscaping, pressure washing, and cleaning continue to interest him: they solve ordinary problems customers need addressed again and again. If you've been thinking about business ownership but assume you need the next groundbreaking idea, this conversation offers another perspective. Connect with David Bisaillon: Next Step Franchise nextstepfranchise.net Got a story to share about your journey in business? Let's talk: https://entrepreneurscornerpodcast.com/booking

    Why Simple Businesses Win: Franchises, Recurring Revenue & Entrepreneurship with David Bisaillon!

  7. Aug 11

    How One Hunter Turned His Passion Into A Successful Bow Shop!

    Running a successful specialty business takes more than technical skill: it takes trust, expertise, and genuine passion. In this episode of Entrepreneurs' Corner Podcast, John Misarti sits down with Chris Heilbrun, owner of Big Sky Bow Shop, to discuss building a business around bowhunting, servicing compound bows and crossbows, and educating customers on proper equipment maintenance. Chris also shares why customer relationships matter more than sales and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to turn a hobby into a business. What You'll Learn How a bow shop actually operates Why bow strings need regular replacement Common maintenance mistakes hunters make How customer service builds long-term loyalty Advice for starting a niche retail business Be My Guest. Book Now! https://entrepreneurscornerpodcast.com/booking

    How One Hunter Turned His Passion Into A Successful Bow Shop!

  8. Jun 8

    CRM, AI, and Compliance: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know!

    AI is no longer a future concept, it's already reshaping how businesses communicate, qualify leads, and manage customer relationships. In this episode of Entrepreneurs' Corner Podcast, John Misarti sits down with Jordan Fleming, Co-Founder and Chairman of Smartphone.io, to discuss the evolution of AI-powered conversations, CRM integration, and what businesses need to understand about the emerging AI workforce. Jordan shares how Smartphone.io grew from a simple Podio phone integration into a sophisticated conversational platform, explains why most companies are implementing AI incorrectly, and reveals how AI agents are changing sales, lead qualification, and customer engagement. The conversation also explores FCC regulations, TCPA compliance risks, and Jordan's upcoming book, The AI Workforce. What You'll Learn How AI voice agents actually work Why CRM integration matters The future of human + AI collaboration Speed-to-lead automation strategies FCC and TCPA compliance concerns The biggest mistakes businesses make with AI Why focus remains the ultimate entrepreneurial advantage Chapters [00:00] Introduction [01:10] What is Smartphone.io? [04:30] How Smartphone.io Started [08:45] Why CRM Integration Matters [13:10] The Truth About AI Implementation [18:20] AI Voice Agents Explained [25:00] TCPA Compliance & FCC Changes [31:20] The AI Workforce Book [34:00] Success, Focus, and Entrepreneurship   Connect! Share your own entrepreneurial story: https://entrepreneurscornerpodcast.com/booking

    CRM, AI, and Compliance: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know!
  • 8 Episodes

About

Real Stories. Real Lessons. Real Growth. Entrepreneurs’ Corner Podcast is where host John Misarti sits down with entrepreneurs and business owners for honest conversations about what it really takes to build something of their own. Each episode goes beyond the highlight reel to explore the real journey behind the business — how it started, the challenges along the way, the decisions that shaped it, the lessons learned, and what comes next. From local business owners and service-based entrepreneurs to founders, operators, and online business owners, every guest brings a different story and perspective. These aren’t polished success stories or scripted interviews. They’re real conversations about the wins, setbacks, mistakes, growth, and experiences that come with entrepreneurship. If you’re building a business, thinking about starting one, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind the people who make businesses happen, Entrepreneurs’ Corner Podcast is for you. New conversations. New perspectives. Real entrepreneurs.

Information

  • Creator
    John Misarti
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Entrepreneurs Corner Podcast