Locally Owned

For most of his life, Jacob believed blessing could be earned.He grabbed. He negotiated. He outworked. He outmaneuvered. And by almost every worldly measure, he became successful.But it wasn't until he wrestled with God—and walked away with a limp—that he finally discovered the secret he'd been chasing all along.In this solo episode, Dave explores one of the most misunderstood stories in Scripture and what it teaches every entrepreneur about success, surrender, and trust.If you've ever felt like you're working harder than ever but still carrying the weight of your business on your shoulders, this conv...

Build a Sellable Small Business: Start With the End in Mind (Locally Owned Mini Episode)

In this mini episode of Locally Owned, the host explains why selling a small business will eventually become the expected “normal,” much like cultural shifts toward safer, smarter standards over time. He argues that most owners build lifestyle businesses custom-fit to themselves—like prescription sunglasses—making them difficult to sell because a buyer can’t step in and earn the same without the owner. Using Stephen Covey’s “start with the end in mind,” he recommends filtering decisions through whether they make the company more att...

n this episode of Locally Owned, I interview Jenise and Dell Burton, founders of SugarPlum Kids Spa and Salon in Trussville, about leaving a burned-out teaching career and a capped-out corporate IT path to build a kid-focused spa and natural hair salon. They share how fasting and prayer led to an unexpected business idea sparked by their five-year-old daughter’s request for a spa party, why they “moved in silence” before opening, and how their risk-taker/planner dynamic strengthened both their marriage and their business. They explain how the concept evolved from parties into a steady revenue model through kids’ natural...

Escape the Owner Trap: Build a Business That Runs Without You (Team & Systems Roadmap)
The script uses an ocean undertow metaphor to explain the “owner trap,” where small business owners start with energy and simplicity but get pulled into doing technical work, admin/sales, and higher-level management all at once, becoming the bottleneck that causes many businesses to stagnate or fail. It argues most failures aren’t due to effort or talent but to not recognizing this cycle and the unsustainable load on the owner. The solution is a mindset shift from being the worker to building a company on tea...

Why Hiring Feels Impossible (and the Surprisingly Simple Fix) | Conner Klassen on Home Service Hiring

The host of Locally Owned interviews Conner Klassen, founder of Home Service Hiring, about why local business owners struggle to find and keep good employees. Drawing from his upbringing in a family window-cleaning business and a year of 100% turnover, Conner argues the core issue isn’t a lack of good people but insufficient applicant volume and weak screening. He explains that hiring is sales—selling opportunity—and shares how social media ads can generate hundreds of applicants, shifting owners from desperation to selection. He emp...

In this episode of Locally Owned, the host interviews Dylan Hatfield of Hatfield Cleaning Solutions in Dothan, Alabama, about building a pressure washing business through hard work and door-to-door sales. Dylan shares how growing up in a below-average income family shaped his work ethic, how he worked his way up over 12 years in a factory to a well-paying supervisor role, and why he left stability to try commission-only solar sales in Arizona. After eight volatile months that drained his savings and led to $25,000 in credit card debt, he pivoted to pressure washing due to its low barrier to entry, using...

How Joe Dan Reed Built a Laundromat Empire: Pickup & Delivery, Systems, and Scaling “Boring” Businesses

Host Dave interviews entrepreneur Joe Dan Reed, co-author of Splash ’Em Out Laundry, operator of nine laundromats in Kentucky, and creator of a major laundromat-focused YouTube channel. Joe Dan shares his path from early hustles to building a house-cleaning company, carpet cleaning operations, and eventually laundromats and pickup-and-delivery laundry, including a 20,000-square-foot warehouse processing about 20,000 pounds weekly and specialty work like horse blankets and boutique hotel linens. He explains scaling through SOPs, quality assurance, strong managers, automation, and leadership habits that enable the busine...

Build Habits That Stick: Start Small, Stack, Schedule & Track (Locally Owned)

In this episode of Locally Owned, the host explains that motivation may start goals, but habits determine results, sharing a personal trick for getting back to the gym by giving himself permission to do just one rep. He argues the best way to build habits is to start ridiculously small, then grow consistency over time, applying the approach to business tasks like cold calling. He breaks down how habits form through cue, craving, response, and reward, and shows how awareness of what you’re really craving can he...

6 Goal-Setting Myths Holding You Back (and the System That Actually Works) | Locally Owned

In this episode of Locally Owned, the host breaks down six common myths that prevent people—especially small business owners—from achieving their goals and explains that success is driven by a clear vision and a repeatable system, not personality, luck, or constant motivation. The myths addressed are: goal setting is only for high achievers; failure means you shouldn’t try; people can be successful without goals; free information is enough so a course isn’t needed; goals require extreme discipline; and motivation must come before a...

The Hidden Power of Likability in Business Success: Build Trust & Loyalty

In this episode of 'Locally Owned,' we explore the concept of likability in business, emphasizing its role in building trust and customer loyalty. Through personal anecdotes and practical examples, we illustrate how being easy to work with, trustworthy, and communicative can enhance customer relationships and increase long-term business value. Discover actionable tips on creating rapport, being reliable, and making your business easy to engage with, ultimately driving repeat business and referrals. Learn why likability, though not on your balance sheet, might be your business's most valuable...

How Austin Kirby Built a Successful Dryer Vent Cleaning Business From Scratch | Unveil Your True Purpose

Welcome to another episode of Locally Owned! Today, we dive into the inspirational journey of Austin Kirby, a hands-on entrepreneur who built a successful dryer vent cleaning business from scratch. Discover how a scripture from Jeremiah and a rejection of the nine-to-five hamster wheel propelled Austin towards his entrepreneurial dream. Follow Austin’s story from his early struggles and failed attempts to find a fit, to his eventual success with Kirby Dryer Vent Cleaning. Learn how his faith, attention to detail, and qu...

Ever wondered how a private equity firm works. This is a real life story of a family owned business that that grew to become a nationally recognized brand, was bought by a private equity firm and collapsed over night! 

In this episode of 'Locally Owned,' we explore the inspiring story of Dominic (Nick) and Jon Paella, who started Jon-Don, a revolutionary janitorial supply company, from their suburban Chicago garage in 1978. Discover how they built a national brand based on treating customers like family and stood by small contractors for decades. Learn how private equity firm Incline Equity P...

How AI Is Revolutionizing Main Street: Zeb Dawson on Sales, Marketing & Small Business GrowthWhat if your small business had an inside sales rep who never missed a call, booked jobs 24/7, followed up with every lead, and talked to customers exactly the way you would? In this episode of Locally Owned, I sit down with Zeb Dawson, founder of Happy Path Marketing, to explore how AI technology is transforming Main Street businesses.Zeb shares his journey from working at Tesla, Uber, and Motional to launching AI-powered tools that help local businesses grow, automate, and thrive. We discuss:
 ✅ How AI can ans...

In this video, we delve deep into the concept of branding, explaining why it's more than just a logo or color palette. The essence of a brand is the story consumers tell themselves about your product and reputation. Using a detailed example of Joe's journey with his salsa business, we explore the three stages of branding: Stage 1 where the owner is the brand, Stage 2 where the product becomes the brand, and Stage 3 where reputation is key. Discover the psychological factors behind each stage and actionable strategies to build, nurture, and protect your brand trust as your business scales. Watch to...

How to Make Your Personality Your Brand

In this episode of 'Locally Owned,' host Dave interviews Johnny Juan Ortiz, a dynamic speaker, community leader, and founder of Fun Life Coaching. With decades of experience in mortgage lending, real estate coaching, and community leadership, Johnny shares how his charisma and faith-driven approach to business have fueled his success. From his early days working in a restaurant to launching coaching communities and becoming a certified Ziglar Legacy coach, Johnny provides valuable insights on turning personality into a powerful brand. Tune in to hear Johnny's journey, his strategies for sales...

The 5 Mindset Shifts to More Profit, Freedom and Value

In this episode, the host returns after a two-month hiatus to discuss the significant shifts needed to make a small business more profitable, easier to manage, and ultimately more valuable for a future sale. After sharing personal experiences related to moving and converting a townhome into a rental property, the host dives into the five crucial mindset shifts every business owner should adopt. These include transitioning from an owner-dependent to an owner-optional business model, creating documented systems instead of relying on verbal instructions, gaining financial clarity rather than relying...

What if scaling your business isn't the only path to success? Join us in today's episode of 'Locally Owned' as we dive deep with Miranda Gwilliam, entrepreneur, intuitive business guide, and founder of Manifest Mountains. Miranda's unique approach defies conventional wisdom by integrating mindset work, intuition, and alignment into her business strategy. Discover how she transitioned from running a successful rug cleaning business with her husband to becoming a mentor for others seeking to manifest a business that truly fits their soul. 🌟 Learn about key moments in her journey, the power of giving yourself permission, and the importance of aligning you...

From Humble Beginnings to Local Fame: The Success Story of Rug Works

In this episode of 'Locally Owned,' the host interviews Scott and Miranda from Rug Works, a family-run business that has transformed the rug cleaning industry. From a modest carpet cleaning operation, the couple expanded into high-end textile cleaning, garnering nearly a million social media followers and becoming renowned for their expertise and educational outreach. They discuss their journey, passion for customer service, and the importance of education in their business model. The conversation also covers the transition from carpet cleaning to specialized rug care, their...

From Homemaker to Six-Figure Vending Business: Kathy Kidd's Entrepreneurial Journey

In this episode of Locally Owned, meet Kathy Kidd, a single mom who transformed a modest vending machine business into a thriving six-figure enterprise. Starting from scratch at the age of 55, Kathy, along with her son Grant, grew their operation from 6 to over 50 machines. Discover how Kathy used her background in accounting and homemaking to build a business that not only meets the market's demand but also matches her desired lifestyle. Learn about the strategic decisions, overcoming technical challenges, and the smart use of customization that set Kathy's...

The Unstoppable Journey of Veronika Walker: Building a Client-Centered Salon

Join us on this inspiring episode of 'Locally Owned' as we dive into the remarkable journey of Veronica Walker, owner of Concepcion Salon. From moving to the US at 22 without knowing English to navigating through an array of challenges including long commutes, rejection, and a pandemic, Veronika's story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Discover how she turned barriers into opportunities and created a unique, client-centered salon that values both customers and stylists. Perfect for small local business owners looking for motivation and insights on...

Faith, Grit and Growth: The Story of The Danita Clinic | Locally Owned

In this episode of Locally Owned, we dive into the incredible journey of Dale and Anita, founders of The Danita Clinic. Discover how they transitioned from secure careers to following a higher calling of providing revolutionary healthcare solutions through regenerative therapy, PRP, and more. From their small start in a 10x10 room to owning their own clinic, their story is filled with faith, strategy, and unyielding grit. Hear firsthand accounts of life-changing treatments and how they navigate the challenges of running a family-owned business. Perfect for...

Building a Seven-Figure Business & Life with Eric Sprague

In this episode of 'Locally Owned Today,' dive deep with Eric Sprague, co-founder of Super Tech University, as he shares his incredible journey from owning a successful water restoration business to scaling and selling it for seven figures. Discover the secrets behind building a business that runs without you, the importance of culture, and the power of learning from mistakes. Whether you're a small business owner looking to scale or seeking inspiration, this episode is packed with practical insights and actionable tips. Don't miss Eric's step-by-step guide on achieving...

Why Writing Down Your Goals Isn't Enough: How to Truly Achieve Them

In this video, the myth that merely writing down goals leads to their achievement is debunked. Instead, a more comprehensive approach is advocated, likening goal setting to the process of buying a house. The importance of aligning goals with one's values and unique abilities is emphasized. By thoroughly planning and ensuring that goals match the desired lifestyle and personal growth, success becomes more attainable. Learn how to deeply connect with your aspirations and make meaningful progress towards your objectives.

00:00 Understanding the Myth of Goal...

Building a Successful Business and Life Through Goal Setting: A Proven System
In this mini-episode of 'Locally Owned,' the host revisits a previously touched subject: goal setting. Drawing from his 28 years of business experience, the host shares a comprehensive goal-setting system that helped him grow a small carpet cleaning business into a full-scale cleaning plant, ultimately leading to its successful sale. The episode covers the essentials of effective goal-setting, including the importance of resources, skills, habits, accountability, immediate next actions, and planning for obstacles. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their progress, write down their goals, and follow...

How to Protect Your Business: Anthony Verna Discusses Intellectual Property

In this episode of 'Locally Owned,' we explore the critical topic of protecting your intellectual property with expert Anthony Verna, an intellectual property attorney. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or inventor, understanding the nuances of IP can empower you to secure your creative destiny. Anthony shares his journey from computer science to IP law, highlighting the importance of patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Learn practical tips for safeguarding your business ideas, trademarks, and artistic creations, alongside real-world advice for small business owners. Don't miss the insights on how...

Mastering Small Business Success: Key Takeaways from 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear

Welcome back to Locally Owned, the podcast tailored for small local business owners. In this mini episode, host Dave, owner of StreetSmart Entrepreneurship, explores James Clear's 'Atomic Habits' and its practical applications for small business success. Learn about the 1 percent rule, the link between habits and identity, implementation intentions, the power of environment, and the role of dopamine in habit formation. Discover strategies to improve your business incrementally and achieve massive long-term results. Don't miss out on these actionable insights to elevate your business!

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Join us on this episode of 'Locally Owned' as we dive into the incredible journey of Rob Dowda, a franchise owner of Speed Pro Direct. Starting out with a humble sales job going door-to-door, Rob shares how he built resilience and persistence that propelled him to success. From consulting surgeons in high-stake operating rooms to owning a thriving print shop, his story is packed with valuable lessons for any small local business owner. Learn how Rob overcame challenges, including losing key employees, and why embracing technology and innovation has set him apart in the industry. Don't miss his insights on...

In this mini episode Brandon Booth owner of Helena Health Club talks about the health benefits and risks of GLP-1 Medications like Ozempic and Wagovy. He also talks about how alcohol affects our digestion and how it cannot be counted in with simple carbs.

Some other podcasts that you might want to listen to concerning these weight loss drugs are:
The Dr. Hyman Show Episode 992
Oprah's Book Club S1 E7
Your Brain On... S2 E10

Thanks for being a fan. If you or someone you know has an entrepreneurial journey that the world...

In this episode of Locally Owned, Dave interviews Brandon Booth, owner of Helena Health Club, who shares his transformative journey from high school fitness enthusiast to seasoned health club owner and nutrition expert. Booth discusses the twists and turns of his career, from starting in the family-owned gym to consulting for Alabama's football program and establishing Benchmark Nutrition. With insights on the importance of personalized training and the evolving trends in fitness, Booth reveals the dedication needed to build a successful small business. Whether it's helping clients achieve weight loss goals or guiding them through the complex world of sports...

In this episode of Locally Owned, host Dave interviews Scott Owens, owner of Owens Art and Sign Graphics in Columbiana. Scott shares his career evolution from a young sign maker inspired by his parents to mastering sign craft and fine art. With anecdotes about working from his family’s sawmill to navigating the 2008 market crash, Scott reveals how he merged his creative talents with business acumen. Amidst changing technologies and economic downturns, Scott balanced precision and artistic expression, even venturing into live painting performances. As he transitions from commercial work to fine art, his story exemplifies the delicate blend of pr...

This mini-episode of Locally Owned focuses on helping viewers achieve their goals despite the common trend of giving up early in the year. The host introduces a goal-setting template they've developed, which includes strategies and insights from their own experience and notable figures like Tim Ferriss. The episode covers the importance of developing new skills, establishing productive habits, building beneficial relationships, and creating accountability systems. A special bonus suggests reviewing last year's activities to prioritize enjoyable experiences and avoid unpleasant ones in the year ahead. The episode emphasizes that goal setting is a continuous skill and encourages viewers to stay...

In this episode of Locally Owned, Lisa Shores Hall, owner of Geaux Play Sports Fitness Center in Pelham, Alabama, shares her inspiring journey. Lisa's passion for fitness started in her childhood, inspired by her fitness-enthusiast father. This lifelong dedication to sports led her to establish GoPlay Sports, a unique 24-hour gym and training center that offers specialized training in various sports and fitness disciplines. Lisa's story highlights her transition from the corporate world to building a community-centered fitness hub. She emphasizes helping clients achieve their health goals and creating a supportive environment. Throughout the interview, Lisa shares heartfelt success stories...

In this episode of 'Locally Owned,' we follow the inspiring journey of Akash Chand, the owner of Champions Boxing in Pelham. Akash shares his story of humble beginnings, from his parents' immigration from India to working various jobs and eventually breaking into the world of computer programming and supply chain management. Despite corporate success, he felt unfulfilled and found solace in his true passion—boxing. With the support of friends and a calculated risk, Akash transitioned from the corporate world to opening a community-oriented boxing gym. He focuses on making boxing accessible to everyone, from fitness enthusiasts to aspiring co...

They say, ‘Nothing happens in business until a sale is made,’ but how you make the sale is the difference between thriving and struggling. Push too hard, and you’ll drive customers away. Be too passive, and you’ll lose opportunities altogether. So how do you strike the perfect balance? In this episode, I’m sharing the hard-earned lessons I’ve learned from running a highly successful business for over 30 years. You’ll discover the secret to building trust, avoiding the extremes, and creating relationships that lead to lasting sales success. If you want your business to grow without compromising your values, t...

In this episode of Locally Owned, we dive into the extraordinary journey of Jordan Hosey—an immigrant who turned unimaginable challenges into massive success. From arriving in America as a 12-year-old who didn’t speak the language to building a real estate empire and Helena’s first boutique hotel, Buck Creek BNB, Jordan’s story is a masterclass in clarity, courage, and entrepreneurial spirit.Learn how Jordan turned a crisis during COVID into a thriving business, faced resistance with professionalism, and led the way with innovation and data-driven decisions. If you’re a small business owner looking for actionable strategies on overcom...

Alan Hale: From Navy Flight Commander to Business Leader | Lessons in Resilience and Leadership

In this episode of Locally Owned, we sit down with Alan Hale, a seasoned entrepreneur and former Navy Flight Commander. Alan shares his compelling journey of resilience, from tracking Soviet submarines to growing a family business from a $20-30 million operation to nearly $300 million. He discusses his transition from the travel industry to consulting with 126 Advisors, where he facilitates peer advisory groups for small business owners. Alan also reflects on the invaluable leadership and strategic planning lessons from his military service that have shaped...

In this mini episode, Dave from the Street Smart Entrepreneur discusses three common pitfalls that prevent people from achieving their goals. He explains the importance of identifying what you truly want using the 'five why's' technique, creating a written plan to track progress, and setting manageable, smaller goals. Additionally, he introduces the 'lens of becoming', encouraging goal setters to align their goals with the person they want to become for greater fulfillment. 
If you are wondering why you set out to achieve your goals yet once again only to find yourself making no progress, it is possible that you a...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the inspiring entrepreneurial journey of Macy Fulmar, owner of Grateful Lotus, a locally owned women’s boutique that’s become a staple for small town shoppers. Macy’s story is one of resilience, authenticity, and connection, showing how she transformed personal struggles into a mission to empower women through fashion. From her early days as a teacher and tutor to her leap of faith in opening a brick-and-mortar shop post-COVID, Macy’s path is a testament to the heart and hustle that define small-town businesses and "mom and pop" stores everywhere.

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Thanks for stopping by Locally Owned and having a listen — We are the go-to podcast for small and medium-sized business (SMB) owners who want to master the art of goal setting and turn their visions into reality. Each episode dives into actionable strategies for achieving success, featuring interviews with real SMB owners who are in the trenches, getting it done. What makes us different is that we bring real local business owners to the show who are prepared to share stories of their business journey. You will hear real events and situations that they figured out how to overcome and th...