The Good Life Small Business Podcast: Recent Episodes
Brian Blakely
The Good Life Small Business Podcast highlights small business owners in the great state of Nebraska.
Being a small business owner can be challenging, stressful, and lonely. This podcast offers encouragement, motivation, and a way to relate to others who are on this amazing journey.
If you are on the fence about starting a small business, a start up, or an established entrepreneur, you can find community here.
In this episode, I sat down with Sarah Spitsen, Director of the newly formed Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program at Nebraska Wesleyan University.
Sarah shares insights into how the program prepares students for the ever-changing demands of the business world. She discusses the unique opportunities available to students and sheds light on the innovative approach the university is taking to foster entrepreneurial thinking.
We also talked about Sarah's journey as a small business owner and learned how, at one point, she literally made her business the focus of her life—even living out of her car to make her dream a reality!
To learn more about the Innovation and Entrepreneurship program at NWU, check out their website here!
If you would like to learn how you can help the program, email Sarah at sspitsen@nebrwesleyan.edu.
Join me as I sit down to talk with Cory Morris, the new owner of Gary Michael's Clothiers in Kearney.
In this episode, we'll dive into Cory's shift from running a bookkeeping business to taking over a popular clothing store, the ups and downs of running a retail business, how he gets his family in on the action, and more!
Cory also gives great insight into some of the things that he has taken from his bookkeeping business and used immediately at Gary Michael's store to help with efficiency and automation. Links to those can be found in the show notes below.
You can learn more about Gary Michaels by visiting their website here. You can also email Cory with comments or suggestions at garymkearney@gmail.com
Keep an eye out for their Facebook and Instagram pages, which will be up soon, showcasing the variety options they will have in the store.
Don't forget to mention GOOD LIFE when you stop by for 10% off your purchase! (some exclusions may apply)
Show Notes:
- Clockwork- by Michael Michalowicz
- More than a hobby- Hobby Lobby book by David Green
- Gusto (payroll and time tracking)
- Hubdoc (Document management)
- Relay Financial (Bank)
- artofmanliness- My favorite podcast
In this special collaboration episode, join me as I sit down with Sheila Jenkinson, the host of the Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast.
Sheila and I talk about our experiences in supporting and promoting small businesses in rural Nebraska.
We discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing small towns, as well as the inspiring stories of local entrepreneurs.
Whether you're a small business owner, an advocate for rural communities, or simply interested in the dynamics of small town living, this episode offers valuable perspectives and meaningful conversations.
If you want to find out more about Sheila and The Grow Small Town Nebraska Podcast, check out the website here, or follow her on Facebook for tons of great content and she highlights businesses across the state.
In this episode of the podcast, I sat down with Paul Oettinger, co-owner of Pals Brewing Company located in North Platte.
Paul's passion for brewing and dedication to his business is inspiring, and this conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the brewery business or entrepreneurship in general.
He takes us on a journey of how he got into the brewery business and the challenges he faced along the way. He shares some of the business lessons he learned the hard way, including how to read a Profit and Loss statement.
We discuss the exciting things that Pals Brewing Company has on the horizon, including upcoming events and recent beer releases.
You can find out more about Paul and Pals Brewing Company by visiting their website, following them on Instagram, or subscribing to their YouTube channel.
And don't forget to check videos of each interview on the GLSB YouTube Page!
In this episode, we catch up with Tyler Schake, owner of T&T Mobile Washing.
Tyler was one of our early guests, and we're excited to hear about how his business has grown and changed since we last spoke.
Tyler shares with us some of the challenges that come with running a growing business, including managing employees, updating systems, and embracing how his role has changed.
Tyler also provides insights into how he stays motivated and focused as a business owner and shares some of the lessons he's learned along the way.
Whether you're a business owner or just interested in learning more about entrepreneurship, this episode is sure to provide valuable insights and inspiration.
If you want to find out more about Tyler and T&T Mobile Washing. check out their website here, or find them on Facebook and Instagram to see some of their amazing work!
And don't forget to check out the GLSB YouTube page for full video interviews and clips from each episode.
I had the opportunity to sit down with Brady Storrs, owner of Select Sail & Sports, one of the newest small businesses in Kearney.
In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the excitement of getting a business up and running, the challenges Brady faced when buying the business and moving it from Omaha to Kearney, and more!
If you want to find out more about Brady and Select Sail & Sports, check out their website, or follow them on Facebook, IG, and YouTube!
And don't forget to check out the GLSB podcast page on YouTube where you can watch full length episodes of our interviews!
In this episode of the Good Life Small Business Podcast, we're talking to Derek Djernes, owner of Axe Holes in Kearney, a local business that's been killing it lately.
We'll be getting into some real talk about the focus it takes to run a business while still working a day job, the unique challenges of having a business in another town, and we'll also touch on the mental and emotional toll that running a business can take. We'll get into why small business owners can be too hard on themselves and how to be more forgiving.
If you're a small business owner, or thinking about starting your own business, you won't want to miss this episode. Derek has some seriously valuable insights to share, so tune in and get ready to live the good life as a small business owner.
If you want to know more about the Kearney Axe Holes location, check them out of Facebook, Instagram, or visit their website here!
In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Ryan Clark, Vice President of Eustis Body Shop. Ryan is currently working in this long going family-owned business and has been instrumental in growing their location in Lincoln, NE.
We'll discuss the challenges of opening a new location, the benefits and drawbacks of being part of a family business, and the strategies they've used to successfully expand into new markets.
If you're interested in entrepreneurship, family dynamics, or simply want to learn more about how to navigate the unique challenges of working in a family-owned business, this episode is for you.
If you want to learn more about Eustis Body Shop, you can check out their website, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram!
As a small business owner, change is the only thing that remains the same. No matter what stage of business, there are challenges and opportunities for growth.
That's why I was excited to check in with a previous guest to see how things have changed with his business.
I first sat down for an interview with Richard Barajas, owner of Kearney Combat Sports, in January of 2022.
Since then, I have gotten to know him more and have been paying attention to his business. I've seen how he has used social media to get the word out about his business and the different channels he is using to grow the KCS brand.
We had a great conversation about the challenges of managing a growing business, what he is trying to get better at when it comes to being a leader, and what he still needs to work on as he works towards his ultimate vision for himself and Kearney Combat Sports.
To find out more about Richard and Kearney Combat Sports, check them out on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and the Combat on the Couch Podcast.
Don't forget to check out the GLSB Podcast YouTube page to watch previous interviews as well!
This episode was a lot of fun for me.
It's not everyday that I get to sit down with a guy that I went to high school with and talk about their growing business!
Kylee Hall of Halls Electric & Services in North Platte has taken his business from a one man operation doing electrical work, to hiring his first employee a little over a year later, to today, where he has over 40 employees!
We had a great conversation about what it was like for him getting started, the challenges he faces as a "hands on worker" that now has to run a larger scale business, what he would do differently if he could go back.
You can find out more about Halls Electric & Services by checking out their web page or looking up their Facebook Page.
And don't forget to check out the full length video interviews of the podcast by checking out the Good Life Small Business Podcast YouTube page.
Tucked away in the town square of Burwell, NE is a gem of a coffee house by the name of Normal Roasting Company and Coffee Lab.
And while this was my first time visiting this cool little spot, I know it won't be my last.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Josh Holmquist, to learn more about how he and his wife Sara started on this journey.
We talked about a lot of things, including the challenges of growing a business in small town Nebraska, the ways they used the pandemic to grow their business, and the importance they put on growing a positive culture.
You can find out more about Normal Roasting Company by visiting their website, or checking them out on Facebook and Instagram.
Don't forget to check out full length episodes of each interview on our GLSB YouTube page!
I've know Ryan Rahmann for quite awhile.
I also got to be a part of some early conversations with him about the business he would be starting up, so it was great to finall catch up with him to see how things are going.
In this episode, Ryan and I talk about how a side gig turned into a full blown business, the challenges he faces to keep his vehicles on the road, and some stories about his favorite hauls from all over the country.
If you want to find out more, check out The Royal Haul on Facebook and Instagram.
Also, be sure to check out the GLSB YouTube page to watch each interview!
I've asked guests in the past "What do you wish you were better at?" One of the responses that comes up again and again is "The books."
Keeping and eye on the financials isn't something that every business owner gets excited about. That's why it is important to find someone who gets REALLY excited about it, and can work as an ally for your business.
Cory Morris, owner of Morris Better Bookkeeping, is one of those people. I've known Cory for a few years now, and I am excited to get him on the podcast as a guest.
We hit on a lot of topics that small business owners can use, no matter what stage of their business they are in. We talked about the importance of budgeting, different tools that can be used to help along the way, and more!
If you want to find out more about Cory, check out his website here! You can also find out more about YNAB (You Need A Budget) and Relay Bank.
I had a great time sitting down with Carole Sprunk, owner of Edge Magazine, Dine Magazine, and most recently, Clout Coffee.
We sat down to talk about the challenges of getting retail space in stores, the importance of building relationships with both major retail chains and local businesses, the one thing she wishes she was better at when it comes to running her business, and more!
You can find out more about Carole by checking out her website here.
If you want to know more about Clout Coffee, check out their website, or give them a follow on Facebook and Instagram.
And don't forget to give the GLSB Podcast a follow on Facebook and Instagram! You can also subscribe to our YouTube page to watch each interview with our amazing guests!
One on the things being the host of GLSB podcast has taught me is the various types resources that are available to help small business owners. The Nebraska Enterprise Fund is another one of those amazing resources!
I had the opportunity to sit down with Jim Reiff, Executive Director, and Jamel Hamilton, Deputy Director of Lending, to learn more about the Nebraska Enterprise Fund and who they support.
Take a listen to hear specifically who can benefit from the Nebraska Enterprise Fund, the different types or programs that are available, and more!
You can also check out the Nebraska Enterprise Fund website here for more information about the funding process, upcoming workshops, and ways to support them.
Also, make sure to check out the podcast on social media, including Facebook, Instagram, and watch the full interviews on our YouTube page!
Nic Bianchi literally grew up as an entrepreneuer. When he was 12 years old, he got a candle making kit as a birthday present, and the rest is history.
We talked about what it was like for him to be a business owner while he was growing up, the challenges of evolving as his business as it grew, and how his role in the business has changed in the last year.
If you want to know more about Bianchi Candle Co., check out their website, or on Instagram and Facebook.
And don't forget to follow The Good Life Small Business Podcast as well! You can find full interviews on our YouTube page, or check us out on Facebook and Instagram.
Caleb Pollard and Mike Klimek, part owners of Scratchtown Brewery in Ord, are passionate dudes. They are passionate about their business, their community, and their vision.
I had a great discussion with these two, and we covered a lot of ground.
We talked about how Scratchtown came to be, the challenges they faced during the pandemic, and how they have worked through it all to make a difference in their community.
As a small town Nebraska kid myself, I admire the passion they have to make their town better, even when opportunities have come along to lure them away.
Make sure to check out Scratchtown Brewery on Facebook, Instagram, or by taking a look at their website.
And if you ever get the chance, take a road trip to Ord, NE, sit down for a beer, and embrace all that small town Nebraska has to offer.
I had the pleasure to sit down with Jeff and Teegan Nordhues, owners of Pax Lighting, a high-end lighting company with customers all over the country, but based right here in Kearney.
Jeff and Teegan were high school sweethearts, and after their careers had taken them all over the world, they decided they wanted to settle down back home.
We had a great conversation about how they operate their business with clients that are all over the US, the value of communication, how the pandemic affected their business, and more.
Make sure to check them out on their website, Facebook, and Instagram.
Also, don't forget to check out the GLSB YouTube page to get to see each interview in a whole new way!
Earlier this year, I was invited by Lisa Tschauner, one of the members of the Nebraska Entrepreneurship Task Force (NETForce) to join their conference here in Kearney.
The best part was, they wanted me to moderate a panel of former podcast guests to talk about their businesses, they challenges they face, and much more.
I want to thank Brian & Jes Baer of Baer Studios, RaChell Merklin of Smallcakes, Richard Barajas of Kearney Combat Sports, Brett Mayo of Sweetwater Hemp Co., and Michael Frietag of Upper Room Brewery for taking time out of their day to be part of the event.
I also want to give a huge thanks to Martin at Maverick Marketing for helping out with the video of the panel, which you can check out on the GLSB YouTube page.
Finally, thank you to the entire NETForce team. This is a great organization that wants the best for small business owners, and is working to help people all across the state to collaborate and be better together.
I remember when I started my business, there were a lot of things that I just figured own my own to the best of my ability.
Which bank could I go to for a loan?
What information would the bank want to see so I could get approved?
What should my business plan look like?
And while I eventually figured these things out, it took a ton of time and energy.
I wish I would have known back then about the Small Buisness Administration.
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Tim Mittan, the District Director for SBA of Nebraska.
We talked about a variety of topics, including funding for businesses, how the SBA can help with business expansion, the advantages of government contracts, and so much more.
This episode is packed with useful information for those that are in the beginning stages of starting a business, but also for the business owner that is looking to grow and expand.
After you listen to the podcast, take some time to visit the Small Business Administration Website.
You can also find out more about the local resources and contact info be visiting the Nebraska District page.
Don't forget to support the podcast by subscribing to the YouTube page, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
The Sandhills of Nebraska will always be home for me. I grew up in Dunning, NE, only ten short miles down the road on Highway 2 from Halsey.
Most people know Halsey because of the Nebraska National Forest just outside of town. That's how Chad Sutton learned about it as well.
But after one trip, and a chance grocery run, an idea came to mind that would later lead him and his family from Omaha to Halsey.
It was great to sit down with Chad to hear about his story, talk about how his business has evolved, and more.
If you want to find out more about Sandhills Sutton S&S, check them out on Facebook and Instagram.
Also, if you haven't had a chance, check out the Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages for the GLSB podcast. If you are a fan of the page, please like and subscribe to our social media.
The Sandhills of Nebraska will always be home for me. I grew up in Dunning, NE, only ten short miles down the road on Highway 2 from Halsey.
Most people know Halsey because of the Nebraska National Forest just outside of town. That's how Chad Sutton learned about it as well.
But after one trip, and a chance grocery run, an idea came to mind that would later lead him and his family from Omaha to Halsey.
It was great to sit down with Chad to hear about his story, talk about how his business has evolved, and more.
If you want to find out more about Sandhills Sutton S&S, check them out on Facebook and Instagram.
Also, if you haven't had a chance, check out the Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages for the GLSB podcast. If you are a fan of the page, please like and subscribe to our social media.
I had a great time sitting down with Martin Hobelman, owner of Maverick Marketing here in Kearney.
We had a chance to sit down and talk about his unusual journey to becoming an entrepreneur, the importance of doing work for free when you are getting your foot in the door, and some great advice for anyone thinking about starting their own business.
If you want to know more about Martin and Maverick Marketing, check out their website, on Facebook, or on Instagram.
And for those who may not know, we have added new landing spots for the podast!! Check out our fresh pages on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube!
I had a great time sitting down with Martin Hobelman, owner of Maverick Marketing here in Kearney.
We had a chance to sit down and talk about his unusual journey to becoming an entrepreneur, the importance of doing work for free when you are getting your foot in the door, and some great advice for anyone thinking about starting their own business.
If you want to know more about Martin and Maverick Marketing, check out their website, on Facebook, or on Instagram.
And for those who may not know, we have added new landing spots for the podast!! Check out our fresh pages on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube!
For some small business owners, there is a feeling that they are on an island with no support get off the ground.
In Nebraska, that really couldn't be farther from the truth.
I was excited to connect with Scott Asmus with SourceLink Nebraska to learn more about what they do, and the various ways they help small business owners across the state.
If you would like to learn more about SourceLink Nebraska and the services they offer, please check out their website here, or find them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and more!
Personally, I really enjoy the challenge of marketing my own small business. It is one of the aspects of my business that is always changing and keeps me guessing.
This made my conversation with Katlynn Pyatt, host of the Start Marketing Podcast, an eye opening experience. Katlynn is a self described "marketing nerd" who loves learning about the art of marketing small businesses.
It was interesting to hear her perspective on marketing with social media, how she has grown and adapted her business, and the benefit of using a podcast to help grow your business.
If you are a small business owner, or someone who is interested in marketing, I highly recommend you add her podcast, Start Marketing, to your rotation.
I had a really great conversation with the Daniel, Nelson, and Danielle, owners of Groom Services LLC in Omaha.
This family operation got started in 2019, and opened officially to the public with their mobile shop in 2020.
Two days later, COVID forced them to close.
But they didn't use that as an excuse to give up on their dream.
Today, Groom Services travels around Omaha and provides an amazing experience and a quality product. They have a physical location in the works which should be ready this summer, and have starting working with other barbers and beauticians in Omaha to give them an opportunity to hone their skills.
To find out more about Groom, check out their website here, or check them out on Facebook or Instagram.
Curt Smith is a former professional baseball player and Lincoln Saltdog legend.
With his career coming to a close, Curt had an idea for custom made baseball equipment that could be personalized for players across the country.
We had a great conversation about how he came up with the name, his transititon from professional athlete to small business owner, and what he wants the future of Dream Glove to look like.
If you want to find out more, check out Dream Glove on Facebook, Instagram, or visit there website here.
I had a great time sitting down with Nicka Johnson, owner of Budget to Success in Omaha.
Nicka has an amazing story. She recognized at an early age what she didn't want to be, and took the steps in her life to set herself up for success. After she graduated college, she started working as a mortgage broker and climbed her way to the top of the company.
Eventually though, she realized that the corporate life wasn't what she thought it would be. And in the middle of the pandemic, she fired her boss, and Budget to Success was born.
If you want to know more, check out Budget To Success on Facebook, Instagram, or visit their website to get started!
I had a great time sitting down with Richard Barajas, owner of Kearney Combat Sports. We had a great conversation about his business, what he struggles with, and what he sees for the future of Kearney Combat Sports.
Make sure to check them out on Facebook and Instagram, or learn more on their website.
I had a great time meeting Brett Mayo, co-owner of Sweetwater Hemp Company in Pleasanton.
After a tour of their facility, I had a chance to sit down with Brett and learn how their business came to be, the challenges they have had to overcome in their first year and beyond, and what they would do differently if they had the chance start again.
If you would like to know more about Sweetwater Hemp Company, check out their website here, or find them on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Last December, I had the opportunity to sit down with Michael, Amy, Dustin, and Lindsey, owners of The Upper Room Brewery.
At the time, they were hoping to be up and running after the first of the year.
It turned out to be the end of January.
There was a nervous anxiety that you could almost feel hanging in the air last year. The burden of what needed to be done, and the unknown of what was to come.
Fast forward 11 months to this interview, and the nervous anxiety has been replaced with laughter, appreciation, and calm.
It hasn't all been easy, as they will admit, but I think they would all say that it has been worth it.
Take a listen to see what the first (almost) year looks like for these four small business owners. The challenges, the "high highs and low lows", the their vision for what the future holds.
For more information, you can check them out on Facebook or Instagram, or stop in to their spot in Kearney, located at 1540 W 56th St, Ste D.
I had a great time sitting down with Pat Slack and talking about his journey as a small business owner.
Pat is the owner of C21 Midlands, which is the local Century 21 Real Estate Brokerage here in Kearney.
We talked about how a two week class to learn the business of being an auctioneer lead to him getting his real estate license, how he works to motivate and educate his agents, and the struggles he has faced during his first three and a half years as a business owner.
If you want to know more about Pat and the team at C21 Midlands, you can visit their website, check them out on Facebook, or stop by their office located at 3715 29th Ave in Kearney.
Retirement for many is a time to enjoy the things they didn't have time for while they were working.
For Betty Ann Sayers, it was the perfect time for her to start a business.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Betty Ann, owner of Buzz Savories out of Holdrege, to learn more about her business, her love of honey bees, and the joy she gets from growing her business.
To learn more about her, and to find out more about her honey centered products, check out her website at https://buzzsavoriesllc.com, or find her on Facebook and Instagram.
I had a great time sitting down with Jessica Kraus and Kim Hines, co-owners along with their husbands, Mark and Jason, of Lost Way Brewery in Holdrege.
It was great to hear the story of how these Michigan and New Mexico transplants, ended up in small town Nebraska. Even better is how their drive, ambition, and reliance on each other have made this brewery a gem in the Holdrege community.
Sit back and listen to their story, the advice they have for other small business owners, and how they have used this business to grow closer as a family.
If you would like to know more about Lost Way Brewery, you can check out their website, or find them on Facebook or Instagram.
RaChell Merklin never planned on being a small business owner. She had a career in real estate and was very happy.
When she became a small business owner, she never planned on being involved in the day to day operations of Small Cakes.
Baking and decorating cakes...no thanks. She said she would "never" do that.
Seven years later..."Never say never," RaChell says with a smile.
RaChell and I had a great conversation about how she has come to love the business, the challenges of owning two stores three hours apart, and, if she could, what advice she would give herself before she started.
You can find out more about Small Cakes by visiting their website, or by checking them out on Facebook and Instagram.
Kombucha...
Never heard of it?
Well, me neither...until I sat down with Nathan and Jessi Hoeft, owners of First Street Brewing and Ensign Beverage Company.
It was a great time to sit down with Nathan and Jessi to hear more about their small business story, how they pulled through the pandemic with the help of the Hastings community, and of course, more about this tasty beverage known as Kombucha.
If you happen to find yourself in Hastings, be sure to stop in the taproom. You find out more about them on Facebook and Instagram, or check them out at their websites for First Street Brewing and Ensign Beverage Company.
Renee Sobotka started True North Technologies as more of a side hustle to her real passion at the time...real estate.
But as most small business owners can attest to, things don't always go as planned.
I enjoyed sitting down with Renee and getting to know more about her and True North. We talked about what it was like for her to leave her full time job to pursue her passion, how she has had to learn and grow to build a culture she is proud of, and what advice she would give to someone who is looking to start their own business.
You can find out more about Renee and her team at True North Technologies by visiting their website, or by checking them out on Instagram and Facebook.
In the middle of the pandemic last year, Justin Vrooman & Derrick Kleeb started Heartland 3D.
I really enjoyed my time getting to know them both, as well as getting an education on 3D printing, which is something I have an interest in, but don't know much about.
Besides a better knowledge of how 3D printing works, I gained a respect for Justin & Derek and how they started Heartland 3D. Two guys who already have a ton going on, they decided that now was the time to help bring 3D printing to the mainstream consumer here in Nebraska. They didn't hesitate about the "right time", they just made it happen, which is a valuable lesson for someone that has a plan, but needs to take action.
To find out more about Heartland 3D, you can check them out on Facebook, or check out the products they office at their website, heartland3d.com.
I've known Dr. Mike Gilbreath, owner of Premier Eye Care in Kearney, almost since the day he opened his practice. Our paths as business owners are parallel in a lot of ways. We usually end up talking about business when we see each other, and I am excited to bring his story to the podcast.
In this episode, Mike and I talked about what led him to want to become an Optometrist, the uncertainty that came last year when the pandemic shut down his business, and what he would change if he could do it over again.
If you would like to find out more about Dr. Gilbreath and Premier Eye Care, check you their website or visit them on Facebook.
What started out as a home based, "garage sale" style greenery, has literally grown into one of Kearney's newest businesses. 🪴
I had a great talk with Abbie and Diego Castaneda, owners of Rooted Plant Co.
We discussed the advantages of owning a business with your spouse, how their business has evolved over the last couple years, and some of the struggles that they are trying to improve as they grow.
If you want to know more about Rooted Plant Co., you can check out their website, rootedplantco.com, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Recently, some members of my family had booked appointments at Studio 51/50. I had heard of the business, but didn't know much about it.
After the rave reviews from my family when they got back, I figured I had to learn a little more about Matt Decker and Studio 51/50.
I was learning about Matt and his business for the first time when we sat down for this podcast. This is the first time we had met in person, besides the Instagram messages back and forth to set up a time to meet.
There is a ton of great information here. Whether you own a new start up or an established business, everyone can take something away from this interview.
You can find out more about Studio 51/50 buy checking out their website, Facebook, or Instagram.
I really enjoyed talking with Grant Stahla, owner of Stahla Services, for this podast episode.
Grant grew up in a home where being a entrepreneuer was the norm. Throughout college, he was thinking and dreaming of ideas that he could turn into a business.
After a trip to the east coast to visit family, he came back with an idea.
Grant walked me through how he got his business off the ground, how he used the proceeds from a business contest to grow, and what his role looks like now as he tries to carry his vision forward.
You can learn more about Stahla Services by visting their website,or check them out on Facebook.
I had heard of GROW Nebraska before. And I had seen their retail store in the past, whether it was at the Hilltop Mall in Kearney, or at their current location near the interstate.
But when I sat down with Janell and Tiffany, I learned that GROW Nebraska is SO much more than just a retail store.
GROW Nebraska is a resource for small businesses' in the state like no other. And one that many may not know enough about.
But hopefully we can change that.
To find out more, check out their website at grownebraska.org, or you find them on social media.
Show Notes:
Born To Build by Jim Clifton
Current Retail Store Location: 421 W Talmadge Street, STE #1, Kearney, NE
I really enjoyed sitting down with Dr. Natalie Gile and her husband, Nathan, owners of Gile Family Dentistry.
While they are one of the newest dentist offices here in Kearney, they have teamed up with an experienced dentist to help them along the way.
They really do have a great story!
From how they first got in touch with Dr. Jay Sawyer, how they each handle their different roles within the office, and the emotions that came when the pandemic shut down the office.
If you want to find out more about Gile Family Dentistry, check out their website, or find them on Facebook and Instagram.
In this episode of the Good Life Small Business Podcast, I took time to sit down with Shad Getz, owner of Radon Pros.
Shad is a serial entrepreneur.
When I first met him, he had recently started a business known as Property Pros.
But a chance meeting with the owners of a radon mitigation company changed the direction of his business.
Most small business owners have a vision for what they think the future will look like when they start out on their own.
For some of us, an opportunity arrises out of the blue.
An opportunity to change course and make a new path.
Shad's story is a testament to what can happen when you are open to those opportunities and what they can provide.
If you want to know more about Shad and Radon Pros, you can find them on Facebook, as well their website, getzradonpros.com.
Seth Maschmeier and his wife Karah, owners of Gambinos Pizza in Kearney, have a great story when it comes to the roller coaster ride of being a small business owner.
With opening getting pushed back a month to early 2020, three weeks after the birth of their youngest child, to the "honeymoon phase" that comes with a new restaurant in town, and then the COVID-19 pandemic, which changed the game for everyone.
The Maschmeiers have experienced their fair share of ups and downs with their restaurant.
I enjoyed sitting down with Seth to talk more about their journey, what they have learned along the way, and what he thinks is the hardest part about being a small business owner.
To learn more about Gambino's check out their Facebook Page, or take a tour of their website.
I had a great time sitting down and catching up with Jesse Jacobs, owner of one of the newest small businesses here in Kearney, The Brickwalk Gallery.
The thing I got out of this conversation is that the thing Jesse values most...is time. We talk about why he started his business, (while working 80 hours a week), how he realized that putting in those kind of hours doesn't give you much time for anything else, and what he did to make a change.
We also talk about some the amazing things he is planning to do for the art community in Kearney with The Brickwalk Gallery.
If you would like to know more about J Spot Services, you can visit their website by clicking the link here.
To learn more about The Brickwalk Gallery, the artists that are represented, and membership opportunities, check out their website at www.thebrickwalkproject.com.
Erika Moore started her own, unique, small business when she turned 50.
I have had the pleasure to know Erika for the last couple years, and have been able to watch her small business grow and change.
Moore Organized is a company that is designed to give you "More Time For The Things You Love". By helping other get organized, in both their personal and professional lives, Erika has found an energy that gives her the motivation to make her business succeed.
Whether it is getting your storage area cleaned up, your kitchen organized, or even helping those who have made the decision to downsize what they currently have, Moore Organized has you covered.
If you would like to know more about Erika and Moore Organized, check out her Facebook Page!
I had a really great conversation with David Lano, owner of Control Yours, for this episode of the podcast.
Besides getting a little into the weeds when it come to social media and digital marketing, we talk about how Control Yours got started in website design.
There are a ton of great lessons that small business owners can take from this conversation. We get into perseverance, lessons learned along the way, and just how vital social media can be for a small business.
If you want to get to know kore about Control Yours and see some of their work, check out controlyours.com, or find them on social media.
It was great to sit down with Erika Godfrey, third generation owner of Hawthorne Jewelry.
In this episode, we talk about what it is like to take over a family business, and all of the things that Erika had to learn along the way.
While she had WAY different plans when she graduated high school, a phone call from her dad one day made her realize that she needed to keep the family business in the family.
If you would like to learn more about Hawthorne Jewelry, you can check out their website by clicking here, check them out on Facebook or Instagram, or simply give them a call at 308-234-3773.
This episode of the Good Life Small Business podcast features a business that is still a few weeks away from opening!
The Upper Room Brewery is a collaboration between Dustin and Lindsey Favinger, and Michael and Amy Frietag, that is almost ready for the rest of the world.
I had a great time talking with this crew, and it brought back all the emotions that come with starting a small business. Believe it or not, those never go away!
Take a listen to learn more about how Michael and Dustin imagine this brewery can be different, what advice they would go back and tell themselves a year ago, and the weight of living up to expectations.
If you want know more about The Upper Room, and keep up with their progress, visit them on their Facebook page.
Brian Bontz, owner of Crystal Clean Carpet Care, has been in business in the Kearney area for 28 years.
I really enjoyed sitting down and talking with him about his business. We talked about a lot of things that any small business owner can learn from. From the lessons he learned in his first entrepreneuership venture, to how much he appreciates his employees now, and one thing he would do differently if he had to start it all again.
If you want to know more about Crystal Clean, or book an appointment for their services, check them out at kearneycrystalclean.com, or give them a call at 308-237-3717.
I had a great time sitting down with Karmen Wilterding, owner of Kearney Massage and Day Spa, to learn more about her journey as a small business owner.
In this episode, Karmen talks about how she started in a vault at a business in downtown Kearney, how she and her team helped each other through the initial shutdown of the pandemic, and how she has found a passion in helping others thrive in her industry.
If you want to know more about Kearney Massage & Day Spa, you can check you their website here, or find them on Facebook and Instagram.
After taking the time to talk with Megan Goeke, owner of Hello Beautiful, it seems like she always knew she would be an small business owner. I mean, there were only three generations of entrepreneurs in her family to learn from before she opened her own business with her sister!
Hello Beautiful has been in Kearney for over 6 years, but I personally didn't know a lot about their history. So I was excited to get to know more about their story.
This has a ton of great info for small business owners. Megan talks about how the vison for Hello Beautiful was years in the making, what a location change to downtown Kearney has meant to them, and how important social media is to their success.
You can learn more about Hello Beautiful by checking out their website, or following them on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Baristas Daily Grind is a well know name in the Kearney community.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jasmin McGinnis to learn more about the history of Barista's, her journey to becoming co-owner of the coffee house, and what she does to keep the culture exciting for her team.
I really enjoyed this conversation, and I think there are a lot of great ideas that small business owners can use in their businesses, no matter what industry you are in.
If you want to learn more about Baristas, you can check them out on Instagram, Facebook, or check out their website.
When I started the Good Life Small Business Podcast, I had two different friends come up to me and say, "You really need to sit down with Trevor Brown from Kearney Crossfit. He would be a great person to talk to."
Needless to say, they were right.
He has an amazing story, and the energy and excitment to match!
We take some time to learn about how he got into Crossfit, lessons he has learned along the way in his business, and why relationships are the key to his business success.
If you want to learn more about Kearney Crossfit, you can check out their website HERE, or like Trevor suggests, just stop in to say hi!
I had a great time sitting down with Brian and Jessica Baer of Baer Studios for this podcast.
Baer Studios recently celebrated 25 years in business!
And while it may be hard to think that far into the future for a new business owner, this interview is loaded with great advice that you can implement from day one.
Brian and Jessica share some of the things they have learned along the way, including how important financial stability is, how learning is never ending, and why you have to be able and willing to change as a small business owner.
To learn more about Baer Studios, you can check them out on Facebook, Instagram, as well as their website.
Books:
StoryBrand by Donald Miller
The E-Myth by Michael E Gerber
Mindset by Dr. Carol S. Dweck
The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek
Find out how a family roadtrip eventually turned into this unique, Nebraska themed hangout.
McCues Taproom in Kearney is owned by two married couples, Joe & Tara Johnson, and Ryan and Katie Fitch.
In this episode, we talk about how a conversation over beers sparked the idea, the history behind the name, and the most important thing to have when you start a business with partners involved.
You can learn more about McCues by visiting their website, including a menu of their current selections. You can also find them on social media.
For you Untappd members, check them out here!
Trevor Schaben is the owner of Thunderhead Brewery here in Kearney.
For the last 20 years, Thunderhead has been brewing beers and serving up amazing pizza.
They were brewing beer before it was cool!
But like all small businesses, COVID-19 left Trevor and his team with a level of uncertainity that they hadn't felt before.
This was a great conversation about humble beginnings, adapting to change, and how the pandemic started the demand for a beverage that they never saw coming.
You can find out more about Trevor and Thunderhead on their website, as well as social media.
I really enjoyed sitting down with Tyler Schake, owner of T&T Mobile Washing.
In this episode, Tyler talks about how his vision of a mobile power washing business lead him to go out on his own, even when those around him didn't share the same optimism.
He also talks about the challenges of running a small business that others don't see, and gives some amazing advice for those who are thinking about becoming a full time entrepreneur.
Fix This Next by Mike Michalowicz
T&T Mobile's Website
I had an awesome visit with Kyle Sayler, the owner of Sayler Screenprinting here in Kearney.
In this episode, Kyle talks about how he started his business in his parents garage, built his own equipment, and eventually opened his own storefront.
He also gets real when talking about how COVID affected his business, having to furlough his entire staff, and what that was like.
Oh, and how he raised over $15,000 for other local businesses who were hurting here, in his hometown!
Check out the website!
Alicia Lyon is the owner of Lyon Family Dentistry in Kearney, NE. In this epsiode, we talk about how she overcame her own self doubt about becoming a dentist, her path to owning her own office, and what she contributes to her financial stability during the COVID pandemic.
Show Notes:
The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
Lyon Family Dentistry Website
I thought a Small Business podcast sounded like fun for a lot of reasons. But really, it boils down to the fact that people who have started a small business, can relate to each other. It doesn't matter if it is a restaurant, and retail clothing store, or an insurance agency. The feeling you get when you decided to put yourself out there and start a business is one that is, well....hard to explain unless you've done it. And that sense of community is important.
I also think there are smart, courageous, driven people out there who are second guessing themselves. They may be afraid to fail, or think now is just not the right time.
This podcast is for them too. This is a chance to learn from those that have been in their shoes, and what they have learned along the way.
I hope you enjoy!
A Little More About My Journey As A Small Business Owner