The Small Nation Podcast: Recent Episodes
Small Nation
We want to welcome you to The Small Nation Podcast where we share the valuable lessons that we’ve learned about entrepreneurship, real estate, economic development, and more. The point of this podcast is to create value for you, the listener, and to create a space to learn, talk about what’s trending, and inspire others.
Welcome to episode 85 of the Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. The Columbus, Ohio region has had some major wins in the area of economic development over the past few years, and it is making a statement at the national level. That success does not happen by accident. Kenny McDonald, the president and CEO of the Columbus Partnership, is one of the people driving the region toward this success. Listen as he shares his thoughts on what makes Columbus, Ohio so great and what community leaders need to do to continue pushing in the right direction.
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Welcome to episode 85 of the Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. Many people may be familiar with the YMCA, but many may not be aware of everything they do to support the communities they serve. Listen as President and CEO of YMCA of Central Ohio, Tony Collins, shares the their history, programing, and efforts to support the community through their community centers.
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This is episode 84 of the Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. Many times life throws curveballs at us, and we have to decide how to respond. Listen as mother and serial entrepreneur, Julie Casiano, shares her journey into entrepreneurship how she has overcome unexpected, life changing circumstances. Listen to the end because Jason also shares some exciting news about a project in Piqua, Ohio!
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Welcome to episode 83 of the Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. Pharmacies play a vital role in our communities' health and wellness. How can the industry innovate, and what opportunities are there for entrepreneurial minded pharmacist? Listen in as Dean of the College of Pharmacy at Ohio Northern University, Stuart Beatty, talk about the role of pharmacies in our communities and what is happening in pharmacy at a national level.
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This is episode 82 of the Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. Retailers are a vital piece of the downtown ecosystem of our communities. Listen in as Robert Hamel and Ronnie Rhoades share how their entrepreneurial journey led them to Dresden, OH to open Smore Baskets, Smore Christmas, and Smore Sweets. Listen to the end to hear their exciting announcement about their involvement in downtown Bellefontaine!
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Welcome to episode 81 of the Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. On this episode, we host the Dean of Engineering at Ohio Northern University, JD Yoder, to discuss his professional journey and relationship to entrepreneurship. What role does higher education play in Economic Development? What opportunities are available to those choosing a path of engineering in this current workforce environment? This episode tackles these questions and more!
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This is episode 80 of the Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. Entrepreneur and City Manager of Sydney, Ohio, Andrew Bowsher, shares some insight on the role of a city manager. Listen in to hear some of the strategies Sydney, Ohio has deployed to make it a thriving community and what has caused him to start a business venture of his own in the downtown.
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Welcome to episode 79 of the Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. President of ASH+LIME, Rik Adamski, shares how their bottom up approach to urban planning helps their clients take incremental action on the planning work that has been done in an effort to prevent planning paralysis. He also touches on the value of third places and how they can be a powerful tool in community development and an opportunity for entrepreneurs.
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This is episode 78 of the Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. If you talk to enough communities, you will quickly identify how beneficial it is to have a local healthcare provider in your small town. Their service usually goes above and beyond providing healthcare. They tend to be one of the biggest employers of small towns and play a big role in community development. In Bellefontaine, Ohio, Mary Rutan Health is no exception. Listen as President and CEO, Chad Ross, talks about his perspective of their role in the community.
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Welcome to episode 77 of the Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. This is a great episode for any of leaders that may be listening. President and CEO of Meijer, Rick Keyes shares lesson from his experience growing his career from intern to CEO. He touches on engaging with mentors, posturing yourself for personal growth, and personal discipline.
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This is episode 76 of the Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. We love it when economic development professionals have entrepreneurs top of mind! Listen as Cole Massie shares how working in his family's small business changed his perspective and is now impacting South East Ohio.
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Welcome to episode 75 of the Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. Running a business is hard work, and sometimes we face challenges that could have never been predicted. On this episode, Monica Hurst, General Manager at Spend A Day Marina, talks about overcoming these types of obstacles. A community depends on its local businesses and looks to them for leaderships when times get hard.
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This is episode 74 of the Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. There are many elements that contribute to Small Town Success and healthy communities, but we would be mistaken if we did not talk about the impact local schools have on our communities. Listen as the Superintendent of Indian Lake Schools, Rob Underwood, shares his perspective of the school's role and how it played out in recent events. We are grateful to the educators and administrators working in schools all across the country!
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Welcome to episode 73 of the Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. We all know how powerful of a tool social media can be, but how do we use it to support small businesses and even economic development in an impactful way? Brandy Gleason, author, Chief Writer at Gleason Family Adventure, and creator of the Ohio Road Trips Facebook group, joins the show to talk about the impact a Facebook group of over a million members can have.
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This is episode 72 of the Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. One of our favorite things to do is highlight members of the community who have made a positive impact by attracting people to the area. This traffic supports our small businesses such as restaurants and retailers. The Ohio Caverns in West Liberty, Ohio is one of Ohio's most valuable hidden gems. Listen as JD shares why he loves the Caverns and why collaborating with your local attractions is so important.
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Welcome to episode 71 of the Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. We cannot talk about Economic Development without talking about the impact large manufacturers all across the country have on our local economies. These supporting suppliers are often some of the largest employers in our smaller rural communities and provide the means for locals to support their local business community. Listen as subject matter expert David Deagle unpacks the industry and reveals why they are vital to our communities. Title Sponsor
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This is episode 70 of the Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. On this episode we are honored to host the Lieutenant Governor of the state of Ohio, John Husted, along with his wife and fellow entrepreneur, Tina Husted. Listen in as they share a little about what makes Small Town Ohio so special and their approach to leadership and public service. Title Sponsor
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Welcome to episode 69 of the Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. On this episode we talk with the CEO of Quest Federal Credit Union, Matthew Jennings, about how credit unions support their communities and how leaders can get involved. Listen as Matt shares his experience with serving on boards and supporting the community by using your time, treasure, and talent. Title Sponsor
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This is episode 68 of the Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. We love connecting with individuals who are driving positive change in their community. The work that Tracie Sanchez and her team has done in Lima, Ohio with The Central District is truly incredible. Listen in as she speaks on how she was able to double down on her network to turn some of the most troubled areas of her community into an entertainment district.
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Welcome to episode 67 of the Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. Have you ever wished that someone would take more action and invest into the building stock of the your community? Well that is exactly what The Van Wert County Foundation has done. Listen as Seth Baker, CEO of the foundation, talks about how they innovated by moving their traditional investments on Wall Street to investing the money back into the community by purchasing 56 buildings and the impact it has on the community!
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This is episode 66 of the Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. We have found that many entrepreneurs open more than one business somewhere along their entrepreneurial journey. Andrea is a Bellefontaine, Ohio champion and has seen success by doubling down on her T Shirt side business and growing it into something truly impressive. Listen as she shares this journey, and how it has opened doors for her expand into her second, third, and fourth businesses and make a significant impact on her community.
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Welcome to episode 65 of the Small Nation Podcast!This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. Sometimes, as entrepreneurs, we need to check to see if the work we are putting in aligns with our goals, values, and where we want to go in life. We have found that some of the most successful entrepreneurs have had moments in their lives where they've made major changes and became very intentional about thinking about how they think. Listen as Michael Simmons share's his story and how he made the changes necessary for his life with some practical pieces of advise for those going through a similar stage in their journey.
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This is episode 64 of the Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. Tax season is upon us, and it can be a very stressful time for many business owners. However, the right accountant can make all the difference. Listen as Jacob Badenhop talks about some best practices for entrepreneurs when working with their financial professionals as well as his own entrepreneurial journey.
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Welcome to episode 63 of the Small Nation Podcast!This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. If you are curious about how state policy is made or how to get involved in your state's legislation, this episode is for you. State Representative Susan Manchester shares her story, how she works to represent her district, and a few lesson's she's learned from her time in leadership.
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This is episode 62 of the Small Nation Podcast!This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. This episode is packed with great ideas to make your community a destination. Our guests are two of the best that has to offer and are vital pieces of the success we have seen in Logan County.
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Anna Louden
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This is episode 61 of the Small Nation Podcast!This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. The Crooked Can Brewing Company in Hilliard, Ohio has truly become a destination and an attraction for the area. On this episode, we dive into how Megan and Rob Fry along with their other partners, used a licensing agreement to bring a thriving business to central Ohio. We believe that their success can be used as a case study for many of our listeners to see a big vision come to life. Title Sponsor
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Welcome to episode 60 of the Small Nation Podcast!This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. We know that insurance can be difficult to understand and even frustrating at times. This is why we are are thrilled to share this conversation we had with the Matt Simon, the president of Coverlink Insurance. Listen as he explains the insurance landscape and challenges our listeners to think about the importance of having the right coverage.Title Sponsor
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Insurance ebook: Insurance Hard Market, 2024.pdf
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This is episode 59 of the Small Nation Podcast!This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. You have heard us talk about the need for housing on previous episodes, but on this episode we were hosting two guests that are tackling this problem head on. The President and Owner, Doug Fosnaugh, and Sales Manager, Lauren Newsom, of Monticello Homes share the landscape of the home building industry and some of the challenges that are playing into the current situation. They also share some valuable insight into how communities might attract builders like them to combat this housing crisis.
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Welcome to episode 58 of the Small Nation Podcast!This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. On this episode, Ben Clarke, a Columbus based entrepreneur, challenges our listeners to take the time to think deeper about the challenges that face us including the frictions points in any industry and how customers are finding the solutions they want. Title Sponsor
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This is episode 57 of the Small Nation Podcast!This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. Working with others to achieve a common goal can be one of the most difficult aspects of entrepreneurship. From starting a business with a partner, to ultimately overseeing the transition of ownership of his business to an international company, Greg Lehman has lots of insight to share when it comes to working with others in entrepreneurship. Listen as he shares the lessons he has learned through his unique journey. Title Sponsor:
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Welcome to episode 56 of the Small Nation Podcast!This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. One of the trends that we have noticed when interviewing podcast guests is just how many start down the path of entrepreneurship and find themselves developing real estate. Many times, it is more than one project. Listen in as we hear how Jamon Sellman began his entrepreneurial journey that led him to not only open his own insurance agency and brewery, but also to make intentional real estate plays that are positively impacting his community.
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This is episode 55 of the Small Nation Podcast!This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. Local markets such as farmer's markets and similar concepts have a huge economic impact on a community. Listen as Brad and Christina tell the story of why their business is so important to them and how they are helping entrepreneurs in their area get in front of customers.
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Welcome to episode 54 of The Small Nation Podcast!This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. John Barker, the President and CEO of the Ohio Restaurant Association visits Bellefontaine and joins us on the show along with restaurant owner and team member Adam Rammel to give his insight on the industry and the power that restaurants have in economic development. Title SponsorCoverlink InsuranceGuest Links:Ohio Restaurant AssociationJohn BarkerLinkedInFacebook
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This is episode 53 of The Small Nation Podcast!This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. Listen in as United States Congressman, Jim Jordan, takes time to share his story and why he loves the district he represents. Title SponsorCoverlink InsuranceGuest Links:Learn MoreJim JordanFacebookYouTube
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Welcome to episode 52 of The Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. This week are excited to share the conversation we had with Shary Duff, Jason Duff's mother. Listen as she shares her experience coming back to entrepreneurship in a new season of life to open not one, but two stores in Downtown Bellefontaine.
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Welcome to episode 51 of The Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. Listen as the Executive Director of the Springfield Small Business Development Center, Rob Alexander, shares some of the resources that are available to aspiring entrepreneurs all around the country. From business plan formation to special financing, SBDCs have several free programs that may surprise you. In this episode, we talk through a few success stories of the program and how to strategically take advantage of these programs to see your community win.
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This is episode 50 of the Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. This is the final episode of season one of the show. Listen as Jason Duff and Ethan DeLeon reflect on previous episodes and share more information on what is to come for the podcast and for Small Nation as a company.
The Small Nation podcast will return.
Season Two
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Welcome to episode 49 of the Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. One of the first things we look for in communities that we work with is a unique food and beverage scene. Are the facilitating live music? We have found that these types of efforts to be the catalyst for development, health, and growth in small town economies. Brad Winner comes from a family business that works with both local grocery stores and restaurants. Listen as he talks about the impact it can have on a community and why it's so important to see these areas thrive.
Guest Links: Mixx165 Winner's Lakeview Market Market on the Ridge Winner's One Stop
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This is episode 48 of The Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. Using what we have learned from our experience with Downtown Bellefontaine, Small Nation has developed the Small Town Success Formula. We use this formula to help other communities push through the barriers that have been limiting them from experiencing revitalization. Bryan, Ohio is one of the many communities that have engaged in a consulting relationship with Small Nation and are beginning to see needle shift. Today's guest, Amy Miller, is the President and CEO of The Bryan Area Foundation. Listen as she unpacks how they were able to implement Small Nation's recommendations and how it has kickstarted momentum in Bryan, Ohio.
Guest Links: Bryan Area FoundationVisit Bryan Ohio
Amy Miller LinkedIn
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Welcome to episode 47 of The Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. How can one establish credibility as a thought leader and break through the noise in the marketplace? Adam Witty, the founder and CEO of Forbes Books, talks about how he built a publishing company that helps thought leaders achieve their dream of writing a book. He also touches on the power that being a published author has and how to engage with your ideal customers. His story is of an entrepreneur that evolved into being a CEO and the journey has left him with lots of wisdom that to share with you.
Guest Links: Forbes Books
Joel Holland: LinkedIn
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Welcome to episode 46 of The Small Nation Podcast!
The journey into entrepreneurship looks different for many people, and we love sharing those stories with our audience. In this episode, we cover Joel Holland's journey after a successful 9 figure sale of the business that he built from the ground up. His perspective of unlocking new levels in different seasons of life is consistent with what we see in the lives of many entrepreneurs we interact with. Does a sale like that provide happiness for the long term, and how does one move into the next stage of life after that? These are questions Joel had to face and shared his lessons with us!
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Harvest Hosts
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Welcome to episode 45 of The Small Nation Podcast!
We are honored to have the President and CEO of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council, Karen Kerrigan, as guest on the show. In this episode we dive into conversations around why it is important to build relationships with national leaders and how small businesses can have a voice in federal legislation. We also dive into a few trending topics such as the current credit crunch and even how the Metaverse may impact small business at a national level.
Guest Links: SBE Council Weekly Newsletter
Karen Kerrigan LinkedIn Facebook
Welcome to episode 44 of The Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. If you love hearing from business owners and entrepreneurs about what drives them, you will love this episode. Listen as Chestly Lunday and Jeremy Candelaria talk about their friendship and journey into entrepreneurship. They talk about their differences and how they are able to work together. We also enjoyed hearing about what matters most to them and how they are able to build businesses around those priorities.
Guest Links:
Creative Concrete
Blue Collar Millionaire
Life 45
Chestly Lunday Website
The Kitchen Refresh
The Chestly Lunday Experience
Chestly Lunday
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Jeremy Candelaria
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This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. Many times entrepreneurs can get discouraged with the endless setbacks that face them. Listen as Sarah Kelsey shares her story and how she went from pawning off a wedding ring to building a business that is selling in over 20 different countries. Her business, Rhinestone Lipgloss, is located in Wapakoneta, Ohio and is not only creating widely respected product, but also innovating the wedding, pageant, and horse show industries. We also touch on how she was able to purchase a commercial property and create her dream storefront with short term rentals for an amazing client experience without any previous loans. This a great listen for any entrepreneur needing to hear how someone can make it happen!
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Rhinestone Lipgloss: https://rhinestonelipgloss.com
Rhinestone Lipgloss Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RhinestoneLipgloss
Rhinestone Lipgloss Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhinestonelipgloss/?hl=en
Sarah KelseyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=12438472
This is episode 42 of the Small Nation Podcast!This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. Have you ever wondered where new technologies for vehicles are tested? Transportation Research Center Inc. is North America’s most advanced, independent mobility testing service provider, fulfilling the complex engineering, research, evaluation and testing needs of the world’s leading transportation companies, and the headquarters are located in East Liberty, Ohio. Listen as Brett Roubinek, the president and CEO, shares how this facility is innovating the world of transportation and what economic impact it has on the local area!
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TRC
TRC Facebook
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Brett RoubinekLinkedIn
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Welcome to episode 41 of the Small Nation Podcast!This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. At Small Nation, we encourage communities to embrace what makes them different. Artistic expression is often what makes our communities vibrant and unique. Kirsten Osbun-Manley is an experience educator of the arts and a mentor to Jason Duff. Listen as she shares valuable lessons that apply to entrepreneurship and why supporting the arts is such a valuable endeavor within our communities. Guest Links:Ohio Northern UniversityKirsten Osbun-ManleyFacebook
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Welcome to episode 40 of the Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. This episodes highlights an entrepreneur who has lived on both costs and ultimately made the decision to move his business to the Midwest. Listen as Anderson Schoenrock shares his story of optimizing his business for cashflow and why he decided to make that move. Engaging community leaders to cultivate and entrepreneurial culture is another point of discussion of this episode and how it can benefit you in practical ways.
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Memory Ventures
Scan Digital
Scan Cafe
Anderson SchoenrockLinkedIn
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This is episode 39 of the Small Nation Podcast!This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. Anyone that has attempted to run a business with their significant other can attest that it is not always easy. Listen as Chad and Brandi Lawson share about the development work they are doing in Piqua, Ohio. What is the significance of a 24/7 fitness facility in a downtown? What kind of housing should developers be pursuing in the current market? Where can you look to find capital to get started? These questions and more all part of this week's episode.Guest Links:Brandi Lawson Keller Williams Home Town Realty FacebookCrossFit Piqua FacebookChad LawsonFacebookBrandi LawsonFacebook
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This is episode 38 of the Small Nation Podcast!This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. We love discovering the different paths that our guests have taken into real estate investing. Listen as Doug Fath shares his story of exiting a successful business to get started in real estate. He also explains how he grew into student housing, multifamily, and more. This episode highlights just how important maintaining community with friends in similar stages of an entrepreneurial journey can be. Guest Links:Legacy CompaniesLegacy Companies LinkedInDoug FathFacebookLinkedInSmall Nation:FacebookInstagram LinkedInTwitterTikTokThe Small Nation PodcastWebsiteYouTubeFriday Small Talk NewsletterJoin the Conversation | Making Small Successful Facebook GroupFollow Your Hosts:Jason DuffLinkedIn FacebookEthan DeLeonLinkedInFacebook
Welcome to episode 37 of the Small Nation Podcast!This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. On this week's episode, Wilson Reiser talks about his journey into leadership of the family business, Winans Chocolate and Coffee, and what it takes to scale a local small business into a thriving franchise. Guest Links:Winans Chocolate and CoffeeWinans FacebookWinans InstagramWinans TwitterWilson Reiser:LinkedInFacebookSmall Nation:
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This is episode 36 of the Small Nation Podcast!This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. Who better to speak on what is happening in our state than the Director of Ohio Department of Development, Lydia Mihalik? Listen as she shares her background as a mayor for Findlay, Ohio and some of the resources that are available to business owners and developers across the state. These are great tools that can help make your vision a reality. Guest Links:Ohio Department of DevelopmentODD FacebookODD InstagramODD LinkedInODD TwitterODD YouTubeLydia Mihalik:LinkedInFacebook
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Welcome to episode 35 of the Small Nation Podcast!This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. Conversations around boutiques in the downtown is a common occurrence for us. Why not hear from someone who is doing a great job in not just one store front, but two? Nikki Winner opened unboxed Boutique in Tipp City, Ohio and expanded into Bellefontaine, Ohio. Listen to her story and discover how boutiques can be a powerful tool to drive economic development in the downtown.
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unboxed Boutiqueunboxed Boutique Facebookunboxed Boutique Instagramunboxed Boutique VIP Facebook
Nikki WinnerFacebook
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Welcome to episode 34 of the Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. If you are from a small town, you know just important the role of the local churches are to the culture of our communities. On today's episode, Pastor Bryan Meadows shares his perspective of the church's role in our communities. How does the church teach leadership, service, and ultimately provide hope to the people in our community? These are all questions that we tackle in this episode.
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Cornerstone Church of HuntsvilleCornerstone Church of Huntsville Facebook
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This is episode 33 of The Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. We usually like to highlight the high points of being and entrepreneur on this show, but we feel that it would be irresponsible to not acknowledge the true cost and weight that it can have on an individual. Today's guest, Matt Brown, is a former Small Nation employee and went on his own entrepreneurial journey. Listen as he sheds some light on what business ownership cost him along the way of pursuing his dreams.
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Welcome to episode 32 of The Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. We love the opportunity to sit down with other developers that are making an impact their own community. Luke Henry is taking Marion, Ohio by storm! Listen as he unpacks his journey from pharmacy into real estate and where his journey took him from there. Can you identify some of the parallels between his story and Small Nation's story in Bellefontaine? Could these practices be viable solutions to your communities?
Guest Links:
Henry Development Group
Main Street Reimagined
The Brickyard on Main
Proscape Lawn and Landscape Services
Topped Ice Cream
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This is episode 31 of The Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. If you have ever been confused about the financial world that supports business, you are in good company. Today's guest, Jacob Schroeder, is the founder and CEO of Ascend Consulting, where they believe there is a better approach to traditional accounting. Listen as he not only explains the basics of the financial world, but also dives into the theory behind the way they do business.
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Ascend Consulting
Ascend Consulting LinkedIn
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Jacob Schroeder
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This is episode 30 of The Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. Today's guest is a very special one. Scott Duff, Jason Duff's father, is President and CEO of Ohio Ready Mix and Vice President of Duff Quarry. This episode is not only great episode because it shares some of the background of Ohio Ready Mix and Duff Quarry, but also because it brings a spotlight to family business. We also briefly touch on the impact of Intel and the housing market on the concrete and cement industry.
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Guest Links: Ohio Ready Mix
Ohio Ready Mix Facebook
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Duff Quarry
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Welcome to episode 29 of The Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. Success in entrepreneurial ventures can largely be dependent on who you decided to work with as you grow and scale your business. Every business has to make decisions that will have legal ramifications. Who you solicit council from on legal matters is a big decision. For several years, Small Nation has worked closely with today's guest, Conner W. Kinsey at Thompson, Dunlap & Heydinger to fill this role of trusted advisors. Listen as we share the impact and significance of having a partner like Conner.
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TD&H Facebook
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Welcome to episode 28 of The Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. Today's guest, Andrew Hursh shares his experience as a licensed Real Estate Agent in the rapidly growing Columbus, Ohio Market. Becoming a real estate agent can be a very fulfilling career for many people, but it is not always easy. Listen as Andrew shares his journey and the growing and stretching experiences that came with it.
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Cutler Real Estate | Andrew Hursh
The Hursh Group
Cutler Real Estate Facebook
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This is episode 27 of The Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. Curt Wisecup is a facility Sales Rep with Cintas and shares his role in supporting the development in Downtown Bellefontaine. Many episodes on this podcast highlight small business entrepreneurs and what they bring to small town development, but we also wanted to highlight someone like Curt who takes pride in the work that he does within a bigger business model. Keeping the big vision of the positive change that is happening in front of all people makes the small and often "mundane" tasks meaningful.
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Welcome to episode 26 of The Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. The current economic climate has created an employee shortage that has impacted countless businesses across the country. Small Nation has witnessed the impact of this on our own local businesses. Mindi Wells, founder and managing Attorney at Wells Law, shares some of her recommendations for recruiting talent and where to find them.
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Wells Law
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This is episode 25 of The Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. Regardless of where you are in your career, there is always something you can learn. Tarry Summers shares his background and how he got into real estate in the Columbus, Ohio Market. Sometimes failure can be the best teacher, but it is often easier to learn to be coachable and avoid learning lessons the hard way.
Guest Links:
Ohio Home Co.
The Pros Gym
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We hope you episode 24 of The Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. Often, an entrepreneur's journey is very unique, and success does not usually happen overnight. Listen as we highlight a local entrepreneur and how one opportunity led him to the next. Jeremey LeVan shares how getting fired from a position was one of the biggest blessings in disguise he has ever experienced.
Guest Links:
LeVan's Excavating
Country Legends Concert Series
Maris Park
Jeremy LeVan:
Guest Links:
Ohio Afterschool Network
Ohio Afterschool Network LinkedIn
Building Entrepreneurial Mindsets
Young Entrepreneur Institute
Young Entrepreneur Institute LinkedIn
OHIO v. the WORLD Podcast
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This is episode 23 of The Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. Educating youth about entrepreneurship is vital to maintaining a vibrant community. On this week's episode, Liz Nusken talks about her work with the Ohio After School Network and how they partner with the Young Entrepreneur Institute to do just that. This episode is a great resource for anyone looking for programs to engage youth in your area!
Guest Links:
Ohio Afterschool Network
Ohio Afterschool Network LinkedIn
Building Entrepreneurial Mindsets
Young Entrepreneur Institute
Young Entrepreneur Institute LinkedIn
OHIO v. the WORLD Podcast
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Welcome to episode 22 of The Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. Benji Rabhan, our guest for this week's episode is an experienced entrepreneur with a perspective to share about how the mind of an entrepreneur shifts and changes along their journey. We also learn how much the psychological side of leaders bleed into their organizations and teams. How does the way we see the world affect our relationships? Do you ever feel misunderstood? These are just a few of the promptings that led Benji to the work he does today.
Guest Links:
Aboutly: https://about.ly
Apeiron Genomics
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This is episode 21 of The Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. On this week's podcast, Garrett Gatton and Seth Ciminillo share their experience as real estate agents and investors in the greater Lima area with Hartstock Realty.
Guest Links:
Heartstock
REINVEST Podcast
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Welcome to episode 20 of The Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. For today's show, we are honored to have the Mayor of Bellefontaine, Ohio, Ben Stahler as our guest. Redevelopment and small-town success require collaboration. Often times, public-private relationships can be hard to navigate or even frustrating. Listen as both sides share their experience of working together to Bellefontaine back on the map.
Guest Links:
The City of Bellefontaine, Ohio
Ben Stahler :
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Welcome to episode 19 of The Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. The conversations on this podcast often include topics surrounding local government, but have you ever wondered how to engage your state government? Why is the term lobbyist often viewed in a negative light? Have you ever wondered how state legislation makes informed decisions on nuanced issues? These are some of the questions we address in this episode.
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Kallner & Associates LinkedIn
Abe Jacob:
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This is episode 18 of The Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. Small Town Success is not achieved alone, and working with your local chamber of commerce is certainly part of our Small Business Success Formula. Logan County Chamber President, Ben Vollrath shares some insight about the role of a chamber of commerce in a community and how they have worked with Small Nation to see success in the small town of Bellefontaine, Ohio. Listen as Ben shares his perspective on working with a private partner and Jason's perspective about working with the chamber!
Guest Links:
Logan County Chamber
Logan County Chamber Facebook
Ben Vollrath
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Welcome to the 17th episode of The Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. If navigating building codes, rules, and regulations seems intimidating or frustrating, this is the perfect episode for you. Owner and Principle architect from Revival Design Collective, Cally Lange shares how their partnership with Small Nation has saved numerous old, historic buildings and transformed them into award-winning projects! Current projects such as Bellefontaine's Rainbow Row and the Historic Opera Block are also big topics of conversation for this episode.
Guest Links:
Revival Design Collective
Revival Design Collective Facebook
Revival Design Collective LinkedIn
Revival Design Collective Instagram
The Historic Opera Block
Bellefontaine's Rainbow Row
Cally Lange
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This is episode 16 of The Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. Have you ever wondered how to engage investors for you business venture or even become an investor? Will Zell, the founder of Zell Capital and Nikola Labs, talks about different types of investment and how they are different. He shares his entrepreneurial story talking about successes and failures along the way. Guest Links: Zell Capital Nikola Labs Will Zell LinkedIn Facebook Small Nation: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter TikTok The Small Nation Podcast Website YouTube Friday Small Talk Newsletter Join the Conversation | Making Small Successful Facebook Group Follow Your Hosts: Jason Duff LinkedIn Facebook Ethan DeLeon LinkedIn Facebook
Welcome to episode 15 of The Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. Jesse Lear is a true entrepreneur and is no stranger to Small Nation. Listen as he shares his journey of starting a business around trash and recycling and how it led to the real estate work that he does today with Epicurean Properties. Themes of partnerships, selling a business, real estate arbitrage, and the effect of short-term rentals on small-town revitalization are sprinkled throughout this episode. As a bonus, you will hear the story about how the Luxurious Loft Above came to be in existence!
Guest Links:
Epicurean Properties
Epicurean Properties LinkedIn
Epicurean Properties Facebook
The Loft Above
The Loft Above Facebook
Jesse Lear
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This is the fourteenth episode of The Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. Nate Strum, the Director of Economic Development in Gahanna, Ohio shares his journey into the work that he does and shares some of the common themes and trends he sees in vibrant communities. His passion for economic development is contagious and highlights the significance of getting out of your bubble to experience another community. Small-town revitalization is not boring! Being so close to the action, we also had to touch on the impact of Intel moving into his backyard. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did.
Guest Links:
Gahanna Economic Development: https://www.gahanna.gov/growwithus/
Visit Gahanna Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitGahanna
Nate Strum
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nstrum43230/
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Ethan DeLeon
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethan-deleon-266a72190/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007648218461
Welcome to episode thirteen of The Small Nation Podcast!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. After serving on various boards and a creating a successful investment firm, Robert (Bob) Smith is the current chairman of the board for Jobs Ohio, a position appointed by the governor of the state of Ohio. Topics around the current trends for Ohio's economic development, communication while serving a board, and principles of investment are all included in this week's episode. This episode pulls back the curtain for listeners to hear how Ohio's economic development organization is set up, and it may surprise you. There are also some great tips for the leaders and entrepreneurs that are being called on to give back and serve on boards for various organizations.
Guest Links:
Cerity Partners
JobsOhio
Robert Smith
Small Nation:
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Jason Duff
Ethan DeLeon
This is episode twelve of The Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. John Hall is the President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce in Marshalltown, Iowa. Many smaller communities across the nation face similar challenges. Listen in as John and Jason share the impact that catastrophic storms had on both Marshalltown, Iowa and Bellefontaine, Ohio. In this episode, we dive into the discussion of how to rebuild the community after catastrophic events, how community development impacts economic development, driving economic development without a large college, and more.
Guest Links:
Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce
Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook
John Hall
Small Nation:
TikTok
The Small Nation Podcast
Website
YouTube
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Jason Duff
Ethan DeLeon
Welcome to episode eleven of The Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. Hometown Opportunity is a tool that Small Nation has developed to ensure that everyone in a local community is aware of the jobs and careers available in the area. Our local companies are in need of our local talent, who all too often do not realize the great opportunity right here in our own backyard. The guest for this episode, Jared Ebbing, has been the overseer of this tool being implemented in Mercer County, Ohio. Check out the link in the show notes to learn more or how this tool can be used in YOUR community!
Guest Links:
Small Nation's Hometown Opportunity
Hometown Opportunity
Hometown Opportunity Facebook
Hometown Opportunity Instagram
Mercer County Connect
Mercer County Connect Facebook
Jared Ebbing
Small Nation:
TikTok
The Small Nation Podcast
Website
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Jason Duff
Ethan DeLeon
Welcome to the tenth episode of The Small Nation Podcast (Previously The Friday Small Talk Podcast)!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. This episode of The Small Nation Podcast gives insight into what economic traditional development looks like in one the fastest growing counties in Ohio, Union County. How do major manufacturing plants such as Honda impact the local area? What is the correlation between a local chamber of commerce and economic development? What impact does large markets such as Columbus play on smaller communities? These questions and more are addressed in this episode!
Guest Links:
Union County Chamber of Commerce Website
Union County Chamber of Commerce LinkedIn
Eric Phillips
Small Nation:
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The Small Nation Podcast
Website
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Jason Duff
Ethan DeLeon
Welcome to episode nine of The Small Nation Podcast (Previously The Friday Small Talk Podcast)!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing, and economic development. In this episode of the Small Nation Podcast, the president of Richwood Bank, Chad Hoffman, outlines his approach on community banking and clears some common misconceptions about financing business ventures. Maintaining a good relationship with you bank is very important in this line of work. Richwood Bank is a trusted partner of Small Nation, not only because of the services they provide to us as a client, but also because of the support they show in our communities.
Guest Links:
Richwood Bank
Richwood Marketing
Richwood Financial
Richwood Payroll
Richwood Coffee
Richwood Banchares
Chad Hoffman
Small Nation:
TikTok
The Small Nation Podcast
Website
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Jason Duff
Ethan DeLeon
This is episode eight of The Small Nation Podcast (Previously The Friday Small Talk Podcast)!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing, and economic development. Terri Flood is the Vice President of Business Development for Wayne Healthcare. The conversation in this episode was centered around loving your small town through mentorship, giving back, and through diversity and inclusion. Sometimes these themes can get lost in small towns, but this episode is meant to set the tone for smaller communities approaching these topics.
Guest Links:
Wayne Healthcare Website
Terri Flood
Small Nation:
TikTok
The Small Nation Podcast
Website
YouTube
Friday Small Talk Newsletter
Join the Conversation | Making Small Successful Facebook Group
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Jason Duff
Ethan DeLeon
Welcome to episode seven of The Small Nation Podcast (Previously The Friday Small Talk Podcast)!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing, and economic development. Listen in as founders and owners of Axe Ventura, Shannon and Anthony Taylor share about their experience of working together as business partners and as a couple to expand their axe throwing business into three separate locations. How does an experience based business position themselves as a feature in a downtown area versus a quickly fading fad? For couples looking to go into business with your partner, this one is for you!
Guest Links:
Axe Ventura Website
Small Nation:
TikTok
The Small Nation Podcast
Website
YouTube
Friday Small Talk Newsletter
Join the Conversation | Making Small Successful Facebook Group
Follow Your Hosts:
Jason Duff
Ethan DeLeon
This is episode six of The Small Nation Podcast (Previously The Friday Small Talk Podcast)!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. Founder and CEO of Platform Marketing, Tim Chermak, joins cohosts Jason Duff and Ethan DeLeon to share the story behind his business and his theory on advertising. Platform Marketing is a digital marketing company that specializes in partnering with real estate agents all over the country. Listen as Tim shares their strategy on how to cut through the noise and and keep their clients top of mind. We found it to be not only a great advertising strategy, but also a great way to feed a local economic ecosystem. This episode is a great change of perspective and a small taste of what is to come in future episodes.
Guest Links:
Platform Marketing Website
Tim Chermak
Small Nation:
TikTok
The Small Nation Podcast
Website
YouTube
Friday Small Talk Newsletter
Join the Conversation | Making Small Successful Facebook Group
Follow Your Hosts:
Jason Duff
Ethan DeLeon
This is episode five of The Small Nation Podcast (Previously The Friday Small Talk Podcast)!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. Bo Alexander is the community manager of BUILD Cowork + Space in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Listen as he joins cohosts Jason Duff and Ethan DeLeon as they discuss the story behind why Small Nation decided to create their own brand for coworking in a town with a population of 14,000 people and how it worked out.
Guest Links:
BUILD Cowork + Space Website
Bo Alexander:
Small Nation:
TikTok
The Small Nation Podcast
Website
YouTube
Friday Small Talk Newsletter
Join the Conversation | Making Small Successful Facebook Group
Follow Your Hosts:
Jason Duff
Ethan DeLeon
Welcome to episode four of The Small Nation Podcast (Previously The Friday Small Talk Podcast)!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. In this episode, local entrepreneur Lyle Endsley joins cohosts Jason Duff and Ethan DeLeon to share his journey and how an Anytime Fitness franchise partnered with Small Nation began to transform the historic downtown area in Bellefontaine, OH. The conversation of comfortability with risk is also a big part of this conversation. Lyle's story is a prime example of how the different pieces of downtown development can begin working together to make a bigger impact.
Guest Links:
Anytime Fitness Website
Loco Depot Facebook
Dash and Joey's Website
Lyle Endsley
Small Nation:
TikTok
The Small Nation Podcast
Website
YouTube
Friday Small Talk Newsletter
Join the Conversation | Making Small Successful Facebook Group
Follow Your Hosts:
Jason Duff
Ethan DeLeon
Welcome to the third episode of The Small Nation Podcast (Previously The Friday Small Talk Podcast)!
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. In this episode, Vice President of Marketing and business owner Adam Rammel joins cohosts Jason Duff and Ethan DeLeon to tell the stories of the early days of Small Nation and how it evolved. Adam now is part owner of Brewfountaine and the Syndicate, both of which have become destination restaurants in Bellefontaine, Ohio. He also describes what restaurant ownership looked like in the middle of a pandemic. This episode is vital to understanding the work that Small Nation has done and how it began.
Guest Links:
Brewfountaine Website
Syndicate Website
Adam Rammel
Small Nation:
TikTok
The Small Nation Podcast
Website
YouTube
Friday Small Talk Newsletter
Join the Conversation | Making Small Successful Facebook Group
Follow Your Hosts:
Jason Duff
Ethan DeLeon
This is episode two of The Small Nation Podcast! (Previously The Friday Small Talk Podcast)
This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing in real estate, and economic development. In this episode, business owner Brittany Saxton joins cohosts Jason Duff and Ethan DeLeon to talk about the very first Small Nation project in downtown Bellefontaine, Ohio. 600 Downtown pizzeria has become a foodie destination and the flagship for revitalization in the historic downtown. Listen to stories of being invited to the Whitehouse, competing in pizza competitions, and even being showcased on the Food Network.
Guest Links:
Six Hundred Downtown Website
Six Hundred Downtown Facebook
Small Nation:
TikTok
The Small Nation Podcast
Website
YouTube
Friday Small Talk Newsletter
Join the Conversation | Making Small Successful Facebook Group
Follow Your Hosts:
Jason Duff
Ethan DeLeon
This is the very first episode of The Small Nation Podcast! (Previously The Friday Small Talk Podcast)
This podcast is created for entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and economic developers. Listen in as Jason Duff and Ethan DeLeon walk through the early days of Small Nation and how the company has become the authority in small town revitalization. This episode serves as a brief introduction to the podcast as we interview other business owners and developers to discuss some of the most relevant topics in small-town revitalization.
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ash2PUY2dYyZtGZ5PlYow
Friday Small Talk Newsletter: https://smallnationstrong.com/subscribe/
Join the Conversation | Making Small Successful Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/300938607364222