The Small Business Spotlight

The Credit Banc Team
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Every business has a backstory—and we're here to share it. The Small Business Spotlight features candid conversations with entrepreneurs across the U.S. about how they started, scaled, and stayed in the game. From first wins to hard lessons, each episode offers real insights and inspiration straight from the people who've lived it. Brought to you by the team at Credit Banc, this is where Main Street gets a mic

  1. 09/23/2025

    What It Really Takes to Buy (and Run) a Small Business

    What happens when you buy a business instead of starting one from scratch? In this episode of Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz talks with Connor Pera, owner of The Print Authority, about his leap into acquisition entrepreneurship and what it really takes to grow a business after the deal is done. Connor opens up about the challenges of managing cash flow, navigating vendor relationships, and balancing personal guarantees with the responsibility of leading a team. He also shares his proudest moments as a business owner, the lessons he's learned along the way, and how he's positioning The Print Authority for future growth. 🔥 What You'll Learn: ✅ Why Connor chose acquisition over starting a business from scratch ✅ The hardest (and most rewarding) parts of managing cash flow ✅ How simplifying vendor relationships creates real value for customers ✅ The importance of hiring and building a strong, empowered team ✅ Why entrepreneurship is a constant balance of trade-offs and rewards   🔗 Connect with Connor Pera: LinkedIn (Connor): https://www.linkedin.com/in/connor-pera/ Substack: https://connorpera.substack.com/ Company: https://theprintauthority.com   📞 Need capital or support growing your distribution business? 👉 Book a strategy call with Irv Cruz: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/contact-irv-cruze-yt 🎧 Listen to the Small Business Spotlight Podcast 🌐 Website: https://thesmallbusinessspotlight.libsyn.com 📬 Newsletter: https://theweeklyfromshieldadvisory.substack.com ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Credit_Banc

    43 min

  2. 09/16/2025

    How a Side Hustle Sparked a Construction Business

    What do egg sales, landscaping, and construction have in common? For entrepreneur Jake Jaros, they were all stepping stones on the path to founding Archway Construction. In this episode of the Credit Banc Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz sits down with Jake to unpack his journey from small side hustles to running a full-fledged construction company. Jake shares how partnerships fueled his growth, how he navigated capital challenges, and why strong project management and marketing strategies are non-negotiable for success in construction. 🔥 What You'll Learn: ✅ Why Jake's entrepreneurial mindset started with eggs and landscaping ✅ How partnerships play a critical role in business capital and growth ✅ Marketing strategies that go beyond ads (referrals + relationships) ✅ Why thick skin and emotional detachment help overcome business challenges ✅ The role of project management in hitting deadlines and budgets ✅ Jake's long-term vision for Archway Construction's growth and reputation If you're a small business owner or entrepreneur facing growth pains, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on grit, strategy, and scaling your business the smart way.   🔗 Connect with Jake: Email: jake@archwayconstructioncorp.com Phone: +1 (781) 217-4199 Company: Archway Construction Corp archwayconstructioncorp.com   📞 Need capital or support growing your distribution business? 👉 Book a strategy call with Irv Cruz: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/contact-irv-cruze-yt 🎧 Listen to the Small Business Spotlight Podcast 🌐 Website: https://thesmallbusinessspotlight.libsyn.com 📬 Newsletter: https://theweeklyfromshieldadvisory.substack.com ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Credit_Banc

    37 min

  3. 09/09/2025

    Starting a Home Building Business with No Experience: The Andries Builders Story

    What does it take to go from knowing nothing about construction to becoming a recognized custom home builder? In this episode of the Credit Banc Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz sits down with Connor Andries, owner of Andries Builders. Connor shares his unlikely path—from managing a mobile home dealership to building his very first home (with zero prior construction knowledge). He talks about financing his first projects, building during COVID, and why transparent budgeting and a strong team have been key to his success. If you've ever thought about starting a business in an industry you don't know inside-out, this is a story worth hearing. 🔥 What You'll Learn: ✅ How Connor transitioned from mobile homes to founding Andries Builders ✅ Why financing that first project took guts (and personal savings) ✅ The lessons of building homes during a global supply chain crisis ✅ How transparent budgeting builds trust with clients ✅ Why people and teamwork matter more than anything in business ✅ Connor's vision for expanding into multiple states and becoming a top national home builder 🔗 Connect with Connor: Website: https://andriesbuilders.com Email: connor@andriesbuilders.com Phone: +1 (337) 362-4774 LinkedIn (Connor): https://www.linkedin.com/in/connor-andries-6748b1243 LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/andriesbuilders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andriesbuilders Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andriesbuilders 📞 Need capital or support growing your distribution business? 👉 Book a strategy call with Irv Cruz: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/contact-irv-cruze-yt 🎧 Listen to the Small Business Spotlight Podcast 🌐 Website: https://thesmallbusinessspotlight.libsyn.com 📬 Newsletter: https://theweeklyfromshieldadvisory.substack.com ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Credit_Banc

    23 min

  4. 09/02/2025

    From Car Sales to Hydro Wash 360 | Adin Kikic's Blueprint for Business Growth

    Ever wondered what it takes to turn a bold idea into a thriving business? Join us as we sit down with Adin Kikic, founder of Hydro Wash 360, to unpack his incredible journey from car sales to building one of Jacksonville's leading exterior maintenance companies. 🔥 What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How Adin made the leap from a stable career to entrepreneurship ✅ The financial hurdles he overcame and how he funded his vision ✅ The innovative marketing strategies that fueled Hydro Wash 360's growth ✅ How building a strong team helped scale the business faster ✅ Adin's future goals and advice for aspiring business owners 📌 Whether you're an entrepreneur, a small business owner, or just looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with practical strategies and real-world lessons. 🔗 Connect with Hydro Wash 360: 🌐 Website: www.hydrowash360.com 📞 Phone: 904-581-5305 📱 Social Media: @Hydrowash360 📞 Need capital or support growing your distribution business? 👉 Book a strategy call with Irv Cruz: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/contact-irv-cruze-yt 🎧 Listen to the Small Business Spotlight Podcast 🌐 Website: https://thesmallbusinessspotlight.libsyn.com 📬 Newsletter: https://theweeklyfromshieldadvisory.substack.com ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Credit_Banc

    28 min

  5. 08/26/2025

    Building a Business in the Gaming Industry

    In this episode of Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz interviews Tomas Ortola-Stange, co-founder of Svidanza Audio, a studio specializing in music and game scoring for video games. Tomas shares how he turned his lifelong love of music into a thriving creative business in the gaming industry, building unique soundtracks and interactive music that connect players emotionally to the games they love.  From the challenges of launching a business to the art of storytelling through audio, this conversation dives deep into what it takes to succeed as a creative entrepreneur in today's competitive gaming world.   🔥 What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How Tomas turned a lifelong passion for music into a career in video game scoring ✅ Why family support and early funding played a key role in launching Svidanza Audio ✅ The toughest part of building a creative business in the gaming industry ✅ How interactive music is changing the way players experience video games ✅ The role of entrepreneurship, networking, and reputation-building in creative industries ✅ What's next for Svidanza Audio, including collaborations with innovative game developers   🔗 Connect with Tomas & Svidanza: Website / Portfolio (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/tomasortola Company Website: https://www.svidanzaaudio.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SvidanzaAudio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/svidanza_audio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/svidanza-audio YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@svidanzaaudio   📞 Need capital or support growing your distribution business? 👉 Book a strategy call with Irv Cruz: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/contact-irv-cruze-yt 🎧 Listen to the Small Business Spotlight Podcast 🌐 Website: https://thesmallbusinessspotlight.libsyn.com 📬 Newsletter: https://theweeklyfromshieldadvisory.substack.com ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Credit_Banc

    44 min

  6. 08/20/2025

    From Consultant to Confectioner: The Sweet Rise of 48 Blocks Fine Candy

    What do honey marshmallows, risk-taking, and a former government consultant have in common? A damn good story about turning passion into product. In this episode, Irv Cruz sits down with Amy Trout Hughes, founder of 48 Blocks Fine Candy, to talk about her leap from the federal world into the whimsical (and wildly competitive) world of sweets. Amy shares how she bootstrapped her business, innovated the candy game, and built a community-first brand that doesn't want to be the next Hershey's; she wants to be herself. This one's for the rebels, the candy lovers, and anyone chasing a dream that doesn't quite fit inside the box.   🔥 What You'll Learn: ✅ Why leaving a "safe" career can be your sweetest move yet ✅ How Amy used honey (not corn syrup) to win an innovation award ✅ What "collaboration over competition" really looks like ✅ How she financed her dream, 401ks, angel investors, and all ✅ Why process matters just as much as passion in food manufacturing ✅ The power of community when building a local brand   🔗 Connect with Amy: Website & Shop: https://48blocksfinecandy.com  LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/48-blocks-fine-candy/ LinkedIn (Amy): https://www.linkedin.com/in/amytrouthughes/ Phone: +1 703-772-9374 •  Email: info@48blocksfinecandy.com Who is Irv? Irv Cruz is a business advisor at Credit Banc, specializing in funding solutions, business credit, and strategic growth for small businesses. Whether you need capital, better credit, or a plan to scale, he's here to help. Book a call with him today!   Still Scrolling? Hit Play on One of These Behind the Seams: How Emily Built a Fashion Studio How a Garage Sale Turned Into a Syrup Business! Want to grow a business rooted in purpose? Watch this Can This Simple Idea Fix the Housing Crisis? The Secret ROOFING Formula That Drives Small Business Success

    28 min

  7. 08/12/2025

    From Corporate Chef to Curated Luxury: The Black Cat List Story

    How do you go from cooking for crowds to curating exclusive dining experiences for the elite? In this episode, Irv Cruz sits down with Lionel Chadwick, founder of The Black Cat List, a boutique Nashville-based firm connecting ultra-high net worth clients with private chefs and luxury estate services. Lionel shares how he left the corporate kitchen behind to build something of his own, from the early financial hurdles to designing a brand that stands out in the hospitality space. If you've ever thought about turning your passion into a premium business, you'll want to hear this one.   🔥 What You'll Learn: ✅ Why leaving a secure job can be the first step to real growth ✅ How Lionel built a high-end hospitality brand ✅ The marketing moves that actually attract luxury clients ✅ What it takes to serve (and scale with) elite clientele ✅ Why your team is everything when you're building something big ✅ The meaning behind "Black Cat"....and why branding matters   🔗 Connect with Lionel: Website: https://www.theblackcatlist.com  LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-black-cat-list/  LinkedIn (Lionel): https://www.linkedin.com/in/lionel-dean-chadwick-a880b172/  Who is Irv? Irv Cruz is a business advisor at Credit Banc, specializing in funding solutions, business credit, and strategic growth for small businesses. Whether you need capital, better credit, or a plan to scale, he's here to help. Book a call with him today!   Still Scrolling? Hit Play on One of These Behind the Seams: How Emily Built a Fashion Studio How a Garage Sale Turned Into a Syrup Business! Want to grow a business rooted in purpose? Watch this Can This Simple Idea Fix the Housing Crisis? The Secret ROOFING Formula That Drives Small Business Success

    22 min

  8. 08/05/2025

    Behind the Seams: How Emily Built a Fashion Studio

    Emily Thompson turned childhood sewing sessions into a thriving business in New York's Garment District. On this episode of Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz sits down with Emily to unpack how she built BERTHOLLET NYC, a full-service studio helping fashion brands bring their visions to life. From her early passion for stitching to studying fashion in Paris and designing for Olympic athletes, Emily shares the real behind-the-scenes work it takes to scale in the fashion industry. Whether you're in fashion or just trying to grow your own brand, this episode is packed with insight on client management, networking, and turning creative vision into real results. 🔥 What You'll Learn: ✅ How Emily turned a childhood love of sewing into a full-scale studio ✅ The step-by-step process of bringing a fashion sketch to production ✅ Why networking is critical for business survival in fashion ✅ The hardest parts of growing a client-based business ✅ What it's like designing for Olympic athletes ✅ How Emily funded her business and moved into her first studio   🔗 Connect with Emily: Website: https://www.bertholletnyc.com  LinkedIn (Founder): https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilykthompsonn/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/berthollet-nyc/ linkedin.com Studio: 246 W 38th St, Suite 502, New York, NY • info@bertholletnyc.com • (646) 481-1611  Who is Irv? Irv Cruz is a business advisor at Credit Banc, specializing in funding solutions, business credit, and strategic growth for small businesses. Whether you need capital, better credit, or a plan to scale, he's here to help. Book a call with him today!   Still Scrolling? Hit Play on One of These How Amber Gaige Built a Marketing Agency That Runs Without Her 5 Things You Need to Know About the FUTURE of Men's Personal Care From Corporate to Culinary: Brittney Iten's Flavor-Fueled Journey with Saucy Chops Meet The Marketing HERO Who Built Income On Demand What I Learned from Travis Fox About BUILDING a Better Community

    21 min
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About

Every business has a backstory—and we're here to share it. The Small Business Spotlight features candid conversations with entrepreneurs across the U.S. about how they started, scaled, and stayed in the game. From first wins to hard lessons, each episode offers real insights and inspiration straight from the people who've lived it. Brought to you by the team at Credit Banc, this is where Main Street gets a mic

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