The Small Business Safari

Chris Lalomia
  • 5.0 (32)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Have you ever sat there and wondered "What am I doing here stuck in the concrete zoo of the corporate world?" Are you itching to get out? Chris Lalomia and his co-host Alan Wyatt traverse the jungle of entrepreneurship. Together they share their stories and help you explore the wild world of SCALING your business. With many years of owning their own small businesses, they love to give insight to the aspiring entrepreneur. So, are you ready to make the jump?

  1. 2D AGO

    Death To Voicemail | Alfredo Salkeld

    Send us Fan Mail TITLE: Death to Voicemail |Alfredo Salkeld What if every missed call in your business was a lost customer? Summary: Voicemail is where small business leads go to die. In this episode, we talk with Alfredo Salkeld, founder of UpFirst.AI, about how AI receptionists are changing the way small businesses capture calls, qualify leads, and respond instantly—without pretending to be human. Alfredo shares his journey from leaving the “corporate zoo” to building a tool designed specifically for entrepreneurs who can’t afford to miss opportunities after hours. We dig into how an AI receptionist can follow your intake script, filter spam, text you the exact information you need, and still stay transparent that it’s AI—not a fake person. We also talk about when AI works better than traditional answering services, when a human still wins, and why new businesses should answer every call themselves before automating anything. If you run a small business where calls equal revenue, this episode will change how you think about voicemail forever. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari 💡 GOLD NUGGETS • Why voicemail kills small business leads  • What an AI receptionist actually does  • Why over-empathetic AI annoys callers  • “Be concise” settings that improve AI responses  • Why third-party answering services fail on scripts  • Collecting the right intake details instantly  • Being transparent that the receptionist is AI  • Customizing tone, accents, and multilingual voices  • Noise cancellation and better call transcription  • When businesses should not use AI 🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://upfirst.ai • Company: Up First AI Receptionist https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfredosalkeld/ 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram: @smallbusinesssafaripodcast  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/  • Website: https://chrislalomia.com Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

    47 min

  2. APR 7

    What Running A Business Teaches You About Running A State | Brad Raffensperger

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when an engineer and small business owner steps into public office—and decides to run for governor? Summary: Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger joins us to share how his background as an engineer and entrepreneur shaped his approach to leadership, public service, and running statewide systems that impact millions of people. We explore the parallels between running a business and running a state agency—from managing payroll stress and navigating recessions to building teams and maintaining public trust. Brad explains how early lessons in risk and cash flow influenced his leadership style and why mentorship and peer accountability were critical to building strong organizations. The conversation also dives into what the Secretary of State actually oversees beyond elections, including professional licensing and modernization efforts like Georgia’s paperless licensing system. Brad walks us through the 2020 recount process, ongoing election security improvements, and why transparency matters in maintaining confidence in the system. Finally, we discuss his decision to run for governor and the priorities shaping his platform, including affordability, job growth, public safety, and education. If you're a business owner, you'll recognize many of the same leadership challenges—just at a much bigger scale. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari 💡 GOLD NUGGETS  • How an early entrepreneurial leap taught Brad critical lessons about risk and cash flow  • Surviving boom-and-bust cycles in construction and manufacturing  • Why mentors and peer accountability help leaders make better decisions  • What the Georgia Secretary of State actually manages beyond elections  • How Georgia modernized professional licensing with a paperless system  • Inside the 2020 recount and the push for stronger election security  • Why Raffensperger believes business experience matters in government leadership 🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://sos.ga.gov • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-raffensperger/ 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.com Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

    53 min

  3. MAR 31

    Curiosity Makes You A Stronger Leader | Tyler Chisholm

    Send us Fan Mail What if the biggest leadership mistake is talking too much instead of asking better questions? Summary: In this episode of The Small Business Safari, we sit down with Tyler Chisholm, marketing agency founder, podcaster, and author of Curious As Hell. Tyler shares how a simple habit—leading with curiosity—can transform leadership, sales conversations, and team performance. We challenge the reflex many leaders have to pitch, fix, and dominate the room. Instead, Tyler explains how creating space, asking thoughtful questions, and truly listening allows the right answers to surface. The result? Better decisions, stronger teams, and more meaningful customer relationships. Tyler also shares how podcasting sharpened his questioning skills and how those same skills translate directly into stronger sales calls, better coaching conversations, and healthier company cultures. From toilet paper debates that reveal culture truths to a near-disaster DIY project that proves grit matters, this conversation is packed with practical leadership insights and a lot of laughs along the way. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari 💡 GOLD NUGGETS  • A hilarious toilet paper debate that reveals deeper lessons about culture and perspective  • Preparing for a sales call by treating the customer as the most important person in the room  • Tyler’s journey from agency owner to podcaster to author of Curious As Hell • Why leaders lose effectiveness when they fill the room and jump to conclusions • How to coach teams through questions without giving up leadership or vision • “The meaning of your communication is the result that it gets” — a powerful leadership mirror • Creating psychological safety so questions don’t feel like traps • Practical phrasing and pauses that help curiosity become a repeatable habit • Customer service pet peeves and the problem with lazy “exceed expectations” claims • A DIY project gone wrong that proves persistence still matters in business 🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://tylerchisholm.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholm/  • Book: Curious As Hell 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast  • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/  • Website | https://chrislalomia.com Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

    43 min

  4. MAR 24

    No You Cannot Deduct Your Cat | Melissa Kennebrew

    Send us Fan Mail TITLE: No You Cannot Deduct Your Cat | Melissa Kennebrew What if the problem isn’t your taxes—but the system you’re using to manage money? Summary: Melissa Kennebrew of MBK Financials joins the Safari to break down why so many small business owners feel blindsided at tax time—and how to fix it before the next surprise bill hits. Melissa works with high-net-worth clients and growing small businesses that are tired of scrambling at year-end and guessing their way through deductions, bookkeeping, and quarterly estimates. In this episode, we unpack the difference between tax avoidance (legal) and tax evasion (illegal), why clean records matter more than last-minute “write-off shopping,” and the common mistakes both new and established businesses make. We also dive into the Profit First system, a simple cash flow framework that helps owners manage money the way they actually think—by looking at bank balances. Melissa explains how separating revenue into operating, owner pay, tax, and profit accounts can eliminate stress, build predictability, and help owners finally reward themselves for the business they’re building. Along the way we tackle common questions around deductions, home office fears, startup losses, and the simple habits that keep businesses proactive instead of reactive. If you want better cash flow, smarter tax planning, and fewer financial surprises, this episode is packed with practical tips you can use immediately. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari 💡 GOLD NUGGETS  • The difference between tax avoidance and tax evasion—and why intent matters • Why successful businesses still get surprised by tax bills • The biggest bookkeeping mistakes new businesses make • How the Profit First system simplifies cash flow management • Why “write-off shopping” at year end is usually the wrong strategy • Clearing up myths about home office deductions and startup losses 🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://mbkfinancials.com  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissakennebrew/  • Instagram: MBK Financials biascorp.com/ (BIAS Corp)🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast  • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/  • Website | https://chrislalomia.com Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

    47 min

  5. MAR 17

    Life Happens For Me Not To Me | Dr. Joseph Drolshagen

    Send us Fan Mail Why do so many small business owners hit a revenue ceiling—even when the opportunities keep growing? Summary: In this episode of The Small Business Safari, we sit down with Dr. Joseph Drolshagen to unpack the hidden forces that limit business growth. Many entrepreneurs believe the next level requires more hustle, more hours, or more pressure—but often the real constraint is the belief system running quietly in the background. Dr. Joseph explains why revenue ceilings show up at every stage of growth and how mindset, identity, and daily habits shape the results business owners experience. We challenge the “hustle badge of honor” mentality and explore a smarter path built on perception, profit, and sustainable habits. From understanding the difference between your vanity line and sanity line, to recognizing how subconscious programming influences decisions and procrastination, this conversation gives entrepreneurs a practical framework for breaking through their next growth barrier. If you’ve ever felt stuck at a certain level in your business, this episode will help you rethink what’s really holding you back—and how to move forward with clarity. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari 💡 GOLD NUGGETS  • Why adopting the mindset “life happens for me, not to me” changes how entrepreneurs handle setbacks • The revenue ceiling effect and why every new growth stage creates a new internal limit • Understanding the difference between your vanity line (revenue) and sanity line (profit and margin) • Why fear of success can actually be more common than fear of failure • How subconscious programming drives action, hesitation, and procrastination • The roots of imposter syndrome in early life experiences from school, work, and home • Using dynamic vision and emotional alignment to shift identity and decision making • Building accelerating habit systems based on what you will actually do consistently • Learning from mistakes through due diligence and iteration instead of quitting 🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://coachwithjoey.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/ifgtcoach  (Schedule a 15-minute introduction meeting and receive a free copy of Dr. Joey’s book.) 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast  • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia  • Website | https://chrislalomia.com  • Website | www.thetrustedtoolbox.com Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

    1h 1m

  6. MAR 10

    What Happens When Local Capital Meets Local Know-How | Steve Beecham & Bob Koncerak

    Send us Fan Mail What does it take to launch a brand-new community bank in today’s world of mega-banks and endless bureaucracy? Summary In this episode of The Small Business Safari, we sit down with Steve Beecham and Bob Koncerak, the founders behind First City Bank of Georgia, to unpack what it really takes to launch a new community bank in Alpharetta. With the number of banks in the U.S. shrinking from more than 10,000 to roughly 4,300, many small businesses have lost access to local decision-makers who understand their needs. Steve and Bob explain why that service gap creates an opportunity for relationship-driven community banks to step back in. We explore how Alpharetta’s evolution from bedroom community to thriving tech and business hub made it the perfect location, and how modern technology allows smaller banks to match the digital features of the big institutions while delivering faster decisions and real relationships. They also share the unique de novo-plus-merger strategy they’re using to launch the bank faster and with less cost—opening the doors with live deposits, loans, and experienced lenders already in place. For entrepreneurs, the conversation highlights the difference between chasing the lowest rate and building a banking relationship that actually helps you grow. If you’re a founder, investor, or business owner frustrated with big-bank bureaucracy, this episode explains why community banking may be making a comeback. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari 💡 GOLD NUGGETS • Why the U.S. banking system shrank from 10,000 to 4,300 banks and the service gap it created • How Alpharetta became one of the Southeast’s fastest-growing tech hubs • Why small banks can now match big-bank technology and digital tools • The de novo + merger strategy that saves time and millions in startup costs • How local lending decisions help entrepreneurs move faster • Why value and advice matter more than just interest rates for growing companies • Raising capital from accredited investors and aligning incentives with founder capital • Recruiting veteran lenders and building an operator-led advisory board • Financial education plans aimed at younger customers and families • Hard lessons about projections, conviction, and risk when starting a bank 🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://firstcitybankga.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-beecham-1958733 https://www.linkedin.com/in/rdkoncerak hometownmortgage.net (Company)stevebeecham.com (Company)linktr.ee/stevebeecham (Company)🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia  Website | https://chrislalomia.com Website |  thetrustedtoolbox.com Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

    52 min

  7. MAR 3

    Align the Promise with the Experience: Fixing Revenue Leaks | Chelsey Reynolds

    Send us Fan Mail If your marketing makes promises your operations can’t keep, growth will always stall. Summary: Chelsey Reynolds joins us to break down how real growth happens when marketing, sales, and customer success operate as one aligned revenue engine—not three disconnected departments. We unpack what goes wrong when messaging doesn’t match delivery, why internal launches fail before they ever reach customers, and how unclear positioning quietly erodes trust. Chelsey shares straight-talk strategies for choosing a clear market position and sticking to it, designing simple systems that reinforce the right behaviors, and building comp plans that reward alignment—not chaos. We also tackle leadership. Fear-based leadership may produce short-term compliance, but it crushes initiative and long-term trust. Chelsey explains how strong leaders own mistakes, apologize when necessary, and rebuild credibility—plus how middle managers can absorb executive pressure without passing stress downstream. Finally, we explore what changes as companies scale from 1–10, 10–50, and 50–100 employees—and how systems, culture, and accountability must evolve at every stage. If you want your brand promise to match your customer experience—and your growth to feel sustainable instead of fragile—this episode is for you. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari 💡 GOLD NUGGETS  • Building one unified revenue engine across marketing, sales, and delivery  • Fixing misaligned messaging before it costs you credibility  • Why fear leadership creates compliance but kills ownership  • How to rebuild trust after mistakes  • Systems and compensation plans that drive aligned growth  • Scaling lessons from 1–10, 10–50, and 50–100 employees  • Insights from The Growth Department podcast 🔗 Guest Links • Growth Department Podcast linkedin.com/in/chelsey-reynolds-growth-expert linktr.ee/chelseyreynolds (Company) https://www.growthdepartment.com/podcast 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast  • LinkedIn | Chris Lalomia  • Website | https://chrislalomia.com Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

    49 min

  8. FEB 24

    What If Your Business Could See What Customers See, Instantly? | James Hatfield

    Send us Fan Mail  What if your team could see exactly what your customer sees—without an app—and turn that video into a tight estimate, clean documentation, and a five-star review? Summary: James Hatfield, blue-collar founder and former KKR-backed CEO, joins us to unpack how LiveSwitch is transforming home services with a dead-simple, no-app live video platform powered by practical AI. What started with a knock from the D.C. Chief of Police to reinvent 911 video evolved into a powerful tool for contractors: a simple SMS link that opens live video on any device. For home service businesses, that means remote pre-estimates that filter tire-kickers from ready buyers, real-time on-screen guidance that eliminates guesswork, and recorded sessions that shut down “he said, she said” disputes. James walks through how a 30-second frozen-pipe clip can turn into a full scope of work—complete with CRM notes, timelines, materials lists, translations, and documentation—all powered by AI. Think of it as the Nextel of cameras with a built-in copilot. The result? Fewer wasted truck rolls, faster close rates, better prepared techs, and stronger margins. We also dive into marketing flywheels and operational upgrades:  • QR codes that drive repeat business straight to your team  • Video reviews that boost your Google Business Profile  • Open integrations with ServiceTitan, Jobber, and more  • Pricing designed to feel like “a tank of gas,” not a tech gamble Beyond tech, James shares lessons from building, exiting, and finding purpose again—plus the grit required to make payroll, protect culture, and keep people working. If you run a handyman, plumbing, electrical, restoration, or moving company, this episode is a blueprint for using simple tools to win faster and serve better in a Prime-speed world. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari 💡 GOLD NUGGETS  • The 911 innovation story that sparked LiveSwitch  • How remote pre-estimates increase close rates and eliminate tire-kickers  • Turning 30 seconds of video into scopes, CRM notes, and materials lists  • Stopping disputes with recorded documentation  • Using video reviews to dominate local SEO  • Why speed beats complexity in today’s customer experience 🔗 Guest Links • Website: LiveSwitch https://www.liveswitch.com/  • LinkedIn: James Hatfield https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-hatfield/ 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast  • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/  • Website | https://chrislalomia.com If this episode sparked an idea for your business, hit subscribe, leave a review, and tell us the one workflow you’d upgrade first. Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

    51 min
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5
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

Have you ever sat there and wondered "What am I doing here stuck in the concrete zoo of the corporate world?" Are you itching to get out? Chris Lalomia and his co-host Alan Wyatt traverse the jungle of entrepreneurship. Together they share their stories and help you explore the wild world of SCALING your business. With many years of owning their own small businesses, they love to give insight to the aspiring entrepreneur. So, are you ready to make the jump?

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Lalomia
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    276
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Small Business Safari
  • Show Website
    The Small Business Safari

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