Locally Owned

The Street Smart Entrepreneur
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Welcome to Locally Owned — We are the go-to podcast for small and medium-sized business (SMB) owners who want to master the art of goal setting and turn their visions into reality. Each episode dives into actionable strategies for achieving success, featuring interviews with real SMB owners who are in the trenches, getting it done. What makes us different is that we bring real local business owners to the show who are prepared to share stories of their business journey. You will hear real events and situations that they figured out how to overcome and thrive. Strategies that work for Fortune 500 companies are not actionable for local businesses. When you listen to an episode, you will learn how to set goals, implement effective business strategies, and overcome obstacles, stay motivated, and build bigger goals helping you reach your dream company. None of the ideas and strategies expressed here are out of reach to the local business owner. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, this podcast is packed with practical advice to help you achieve your goals.

  1. APR 25

    EP 34 Unlock the Secrets of Door-to-Door Success with Dillon Hatfield

    In this episode of Locally Owned, the host interviews Dylan Hatfield of Hatfield Cleaning Solutions in Dothan, Alabama, about building a pressure washing business through hard work and door-to-door sales. Dylan shares how growing up in a below-average income family shaped his work ethic, how he worked his way up over 12 years in a factory to a well-paying supervisor role, and why he left stability to try commission-only solar sales in Arizona. After eight volatile months that drained his savings and led to $25,000 in credit card debt, he pivoted to pressure washing due to its low barrier to entry, using his door-knocking skills to land early jobs, earn 205 five-star Google reviews, and surpass $100,000 in his first full year, while planning to scale through hiring and leadership growth.00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro01:25 Growing Up Working Class03:09 Factory Career Climb04:31 Solar Sales Risk and Debt06:29 Pivot to Pressure Washing07:46 Hard Knocks Reflection08:55 Why Leave Stability12:37 Failure and Growth Mindset15:50 Choosing Pressure Washing18:42 First Yes and Early Wins19:58 Owner Operator Workflow20:59 Reviews First Strategy23:52 Door Knocking Advice25:13 Door Knocking Basics26:10 Volume and Follow Up27:01 Likable Sales Questions28:11 Factory to Owner Growth31:32 Leadership and Team Mindset33:42 Learning and Applying Advice39:14 Scaling Roles and Hiring42:33 Letting Go of Perfection46:41 Services and Local Focus48:27 Contact and Closing Thoughts50:17 Final Takeaway

    52 min

  2. MAR 19

    Ep 33 Why Boring Businesses Win! Joe Dan Reed and Scaling the Laundromat Biz

    How Joe Dan Reed Built a Laundromat Empire: Pickup & Delivery, Systems, and Scaling “Boring” BusinessesHost Dave interviews entrepreneur Joe Dan Reed, co-author of Splash ’Em Out Laundry, operator of nine laundromats in Kentucky, and creator of a major laundromat-focused YouTube channel. Joe Dan shares his path from early hustles to building a house-cleaning company, carpet cleaning operations, and eventually laundromats and pickup-and-delivery laundry, including a 20,000-square-foot warehouse processing about 20,000 pounds weekly and specialty work like horse blankets and boutique hotel linens. He explains scaling through SOPs, quality assurance, strong managers, automation, and leadership habits that enable the business to run without him. They discuss hiring standards, avoiding overpaying for laundromats, evaluating locations, calculated risk-taking, and why “boring” service businesses can be rewarding, community-driven, scalable, and sellable through repeatable systems and accountability.00:00 Meet Joe Dan Reed01:11 Early Hustles and Lessons02:31 Broadcasting to Business04:07 Starting a Cleaning Company05:35 Scaling Services and Carpet Work06:48 First Laundromat Breakthrough08:02 Warehouse and Delivery Scale09:26 Opportunity Mindset Recap10:57 Hiring to Grow the Team13:09 SOPs and Quality Control19:26 Automation and Multi Store Systems22:59 Risk Tolerance and Money Thinking24:23 Evaluating and Buying Laundromats29:18 Maintaining Brand Quality30:53 Hiring Deal Breakers32:30 Starting YouTube Journey33:59 Why Boring Wins37:16 Advice To Younger Self38:22 Content Consistency Tips41:18 Keep It Simple43:44 Customer Doubt Signals45:19 Fire Bad Customers46:46 Accountability Always47:37 Pricing Integrity50:12 Where To Find Joe Dan51:38 Pickup Delivery Future52:45 Systems Build Freedom

    56 min

  3. MAR 10

    Ep: 32 The 4 Best Habit Building Hacks

    Build Habits That Stick: Start Small, Stack, Schedule & Track (Locally Owned)In this episode of Locally Owned, the host explains that motivation may start goals, but habits determine results, sharing a personal trick for getting back to the gym by giving himself permission to do just one rep. He argues the best way to build habits is to start ridiculously small, then grow consistency over time, applying the approach to business tasks like cold calling. He breaks down how habits form through cue, craving, response, and reward, and shows how awareness of what you’re really craving can help replace bad responses with better ones. Key strategies include scheduling habits on the calendar, habit stacking, redesigning your environment to change cues, pairing “need to do” tasks with “want to do” rewards, and tracking progress. He closes by linking habits to a bigger life vision using his SHARING template and offers a 12-module course with three free modules at yourgoalmind.net.00:00 Falling Off the Gym01:20 Habits Beat Motivation02:56 Start Ridiculously Small03:55 Small Habits in Business04:44 The Habit Loop Explained05:54 Craving the Real Reward07:25 Schedule Your Habits08:44 Habit Stacking Chains09:48 Design Your Environment10:54 Temptation Bundling11:32 Track Progress for Motivation12:57 Connect Habits to Vision13:23 Sharing Template and Course14:48 Final Wrap UpMy Email: dave.p@yourgoalmind.comyourgoalmind.net

    15 min

  4. FEB 14

    Ep 31 The Lies We Believe About Why We Can't Achieve Our Goals

    6 Goal-Setting Myths Holding You Back (and the System That Actually Works) | Locally OwnedIn this episode of Locally Owned, the host breaks down six common myths that prevent people—especially small business owners—from achieving their goals and explains that success is driven by a clear vision and a repeatable system, not personality, luck, or constant motivation. The myths addressed are: goal setting is only for high achievers; failure means you shouldn’t try; people can be successful without goals; free information is enough so a course isn’t needed; goals require extreme discipline; and motivation must come before action. Using analogies like driving to California, using a GPS instead of a compass, and climbing Mount Everest, the host argues that failure is part of learning, progress creates motivation, and consistency with boring, repeatable actions is what produces results. The episode also includes a promotion for an online goal-setting website and course the host is building based on the system used to grow, scale, and sell a company and to train employees, featuring tools, exercises, community support, weekly live Q&A, and workshop-style cohorts; the first three modules are offered free via yougoalmind.com. The episode closes by emphasizing that the goal is not just to achieve more, but to become more of who you are created to be, and encourages listeners to start taking small steps immediately.00:00 6 Goal-Setting Myths That Keep You Stuck (Intro)00:58 Myth #1: Goal Setting Isn’t Just for “High Achievers”02:10 Myth #2: “What If I Fail?” — Why Failure Is Part of the Process03:30 Myth #3: Success Without Goals Can Cost You Everything05:12 Myth #4: Free Info Isn’t Enough — You Need a System (and a Guide)06:02 Course + Community: YourGoalMind.com (Quick Break)08:35 Back to the Myths: Myth #5 Discipline vs. Boring Consistency09:20 Myth #6: Motivation Is Unreliable—Action Creates Motivation10:25 The Real Truth: Clarity + Systems + Small Steps (Wrap-Up)11:45 Final Thanks & Sign-Off

    12 min

  5. FEB 9

    Ep 30. The Hidden Power Of Likability

    The Hidden Power of Likability in Business Success: Build Trust & LoyaltyIn this episode of 'Locally Owned,' we explore the concept of likability in business, emphasizing its role in building trust and customer loyalty. Through personal anecdotes and practical examples, we illustrate how being easy to work with, trustworthy, and communicative can enhance customer relationships and increase long-term business value. Discover actionable tips on creating rapport, being reliable, and making your business easy to engage with, ultimately driving repeat business and referrals. Learn why likability, though not on your balance sheet, might be your business's most valuable asset.00:00 Introduction: The Power of Likability in Business00:49 A Lesson in Likability: The Dripping Equipment Story03:36 Building Rapport: The Key to Business Success06:42 The Formula for Building Trust and Likability08:52 Practical Tips for Enhancing Customer Experience15:49 The Importance of Integrity in Business16:51 Conclusion: Creating Long-Term Business Value

    21 min

  6. JAN 29

    Ep 29 From 0 - 35 Clients a Week:How Austin Kirby Built His Dryer Vent Cleaning Business

    How Austin Kirby Built a Successful Dryer Vent Cleaning Business From Scratch | Unveil Your True PurposeWelcome to another episode of Locally Owned! Today, we dive into the inspirational journey of Austin Kirby, a hands-on entrepreneur who built a successful dryer vent cleaning business from scratch. Discover how a scripture from Jeremiah and a rejection of the nine-to-five hamster wheel propelled Austin towards his entrepreneurial dream. Follow Austin’s story from his early struggles and failed attempts to find a fit, to his eventual success with Kirby Dryer Vent Cleaning. Learn how his faith, attention to detail, and quality customer service turned a bucket and a snake brush into a thriving business. Timestamp your way through pivotal moments and entrepreneurial insights that any aspiring business owner can learn from. Time Stamps:   00:00 - Introduction of Austin Kirby  02:15 - Early Life and Rejecting the Hamster Wheel  04:30 - The Significance of Jeremiah 1:5  08:25 - Realization at Safe Flight and Anthony’s Car Wash  15:50 - Low Point at Steel City Pops  19:34 - Finding Success and Purpose  28:45 - Launching Kirby Dryer Vent Cleaning  35:53 - First Client and Initial Success  42:14 - Ongoing Business Growth  52:30 - Quality and Customer Service  01:03:50 - Future Plans and Business Philosophy  01:10:55 - Advice for Aspiring EntrepreneursDon't miss this inspiring episode about entrepreneurship, faith, and finding your true purpose!00:00 Introduction to Austin Kirby00:26 Early Life and Inspiration04:08 Struggles and Realizations07:14 Turning Points and Small Wins14:57 The Birth of an Entrepreneur21:22 Building the Business22:48 The Importance of Faith and Integrity23:20 Attention to Detail and Client Care26:30 Overcoming Challenges and Building Success27:50 Future Plans and Business Growth29:38 Balancing Growth and Quality of Life36:24 The Power of Customer Service40:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    44 min

  7. 12/12/2025

    Ep. 28 How Private Equity Firms Work: The Story of Jon-Don

    Ever wondered how a private equity firm works. This is a real life story of a family owned business that that grew to become a nationally recognized brand, was bought by a private equity firm and collapsed over night! In this episode of 'Locally Owned,' we explore the inspiring story of Dominic (Nick) and Jon Paella, who started Jon-Don, a revolutionary janitorial supply company, from their suburban Chicago garage in 1978. Discover how they built a national brand based on treating customers like family and stood by small contractors for decades. Learn how private equity firm Incline Equity Partners acquired Jon-Don in 2021, employing risky financial strategies that ultimately led to the company's bankruptcy by 2025. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of high-risk financial maneuvers and the stark differences between customer-driven values and profit-driven imperatives.00:00 The Dream Begins: Founding Jon-Don00:58 Building a Legacy: Nick and Jon's Journey01:53 A Customer's Perspective: The Jon-Don Experience08:36 The Private Equity Takeover10:13 The Downfall: Financial Missteps and Bankruptcy15:07 Lessons Learned: The Impact of Private Equity17:06 Conclusion: Preserving the Legacy

    21 min

  8. 10/02/2025

    Ep 27 How a Former Tesla & Uber Innovator is Bringing AI to Local Small Businesses

    How AI Is Revolutionizing Main Street: Zeb Dawson on Sales, Marketing & Small Business GrowthWhat if your small business had an inside sales rep who never missed a call, booked jobs 24/7, followed up with every lead, and talked to customers exactly the way you would? In this episode of Locally Owned, I sit down with Zeb Dawson, founder of Happy Path Marketing, to explore how AI technology is transforming Main Street businesses.Zeb shares his journey from working at Tesla, Uber, and Motional to launching AI-powered tools that help local businesses grow, automate, and thrive. We discuss: ✅ How AI can answer calls, book appointments, and qualify leads ✅ Why follow-up automation is the key to more sales ✅ The danger of DIY thinking in small business marketing ✅ Building “trust bridges” with customers using technology ✅ Lessons from big tech that every small business owner can useIf you’re a local business owner looking to scale, systematize, and grow with AI, this episode is packed with insights and practical takeaways.00:00 – AI Sales Rep That Never Sleeps – Zeb’s vision for Main Street businesses using AI to handle calls, bookings, and follow-ups. 02:00 – Early Entrepreneurial Journey – From rock tumblers to PC repair: how Zeb’s curiosity shaped his career. 12:30 – Lessons from Tesla & Uber – What big tech taught him about scaling, leadership, and customer service. 28:30 – Building Trust Bridges – Why relationships + AI are the future of small business growth. 46:00 – Happy Path Marketing & AI CRM – How Zeb helps small business owners automate follow-ups and never miss a lead.

    1h 14m
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5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Welcome to Locally Owned — We are the go-to podcast for small and medium-sized business (SMB) owners who want to master the art of goal setting and turn their visions into reality. Each episode dives into actionable strategies for achieving success, featuring interviews with real SMB owners who are in the trenches, getting it done. What makes us different is that we bring real local business owners to the show who are prepared to share stories of their business journey. You will hear real events and situations that they figured out how to overcome and thrive. Strategies that work for Fortune 500 companies are not actionable for local businesses. When you listen to an episode, you will learn how to set goals, implement effective business strategies, and overcome obstacles, stay motivated, and build bigger goals helping you reach your dream company. None of the ideas and strategies expressed here are out of reach to the local business owner. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, this podcast is packed with practical advice to help you achieve your goals.

Information

  • Creator
    The Street Smart Entrepreneur
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Locally Owned