Stay Broke Podcast

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, we sit down with Daniel Stevens, winner of Season 8, Episode 6 of Master Distiller. From running a commercial chicken farm to competing on national television, Daniel shares his journey, including his arrest related to moonshine production, how the charges were dropped, and why he chose to step away from it. We also talk about small-town life, his passion for fundraising events supporting veterans, women, and children, and his plans to partner with a distillery to produce his own liquor.

Matt Howard, owner of Scoma Construction Services, joins the Stay Broke Podcast to share how he built a successful remodeling business without relying on marketing.

Starting in college while pursuing a business degree, Matt worked in construction on the side before fully committing to the trade. After navigating the ups and downs of the 2008 recession and trying commercial contracting, he ultimately found his path in residential remodeling.

Matt explains how he grew his business organically through word of mouth, beginning with real estate punch list jobs and scaling into kitchens, bathrooms, additions, and outdoor spaces.<...

On this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, Randy sits down with Nicole Bazinet, founder of bwellbaby, an occupational therapist and board-certified lactation consultant who helps babies eat, move, and develop properly during the earliest stages of life.

Nicole shares her journey from working in neonatal intensive care units to starting her own pediatric therapy practice. Through her work, she helps families navigate infant feeding challenges, breastfeeding struggles, bottle refusal, and developmental milestones that can cause stress and uncertainty for new parents.

In this conversation, Nicole explains what she sees most often when working with...

Maria Kordit’s life story is one of resilience, curiosity, and passion.

After immigrating from the former USSR to the United States, Maria grew up in a family where hard work started early. She began working at a young age to help support her mother, learning responsibility and independence long before most kids her age.

One day, almost by accident, she stepped into a dance studio — and it changed everything.

Maria quickly fell in love with dance and carried that passion with her through every stage of life. At the same time, she purs...

Runbin Dong’s path to founding Scale Social AI is anything but typical.

After moving to the United States, he began studying pre-med at UNC Chapel Hill with plans to become a doctor. During college, he adopted his two younger sisters and brought them to live with him — first in his dorm room, then in off-campus housing he worked with the university to secure. With almost nothing materially, they lived minimally while he finished school.

Runbin went on to work at IBM and several tech startups, moved to Japan for his wife’s career, returned to the...

Some businesses are built to sell. Others are built to last.

In this episode, Randy sits down with Chris Joyner, owner of Shorty’s Hot Dogs — the oldest continuously operating business in Wake Forest. Shorty’s has survived over a century of change, including World Wars, the Great Depression, suburban expansion, fast food chains, and COVID — all while refusing to change what made it work.

Chris shares the history of the restaurant, how Wake Forest has evolved over the years, and why they still use the same 100-year-old grill, bun steamer, recipes, and brands. No renovati...

How do you start a distillery or whiskey business from scratch?

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, Randy Kerr sits down with Brandon McCraney, founder of Olde Raleigh Distillery.

Brandon shares how his four years as an Air Force officer shaped his leadership philosophy, what he learned from senior officers about discipline and decision-making, and how climbing the corporate ladder ultimately led him to realize it wasn’t the life he wanted.

In SBP #25, Brandon McCraney, founder of Olde Raleigh Distillery, shares the real story behind launching a craft bourbon and wh...

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, we sit down with Joshua Donahue, co-owner of Audrey’s Barkyard in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

Joshua shares his story of growing up in a working-class household, moving multiple times as a kid, and learning work ethic early by watching his father build a career in landscaping. After settling in North Carolina, Joshua took the traditional route—starting at the bottom of a corporate company and working his way up the ladder—before making the difficult decision to walk away from security to chase something of his own.

That...

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, we sit down with Jessica Daniels Harrison, Mayor of Zebulon, North Carolina, for an honest, non-political conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, and growth.

Jessica shares her real journey into business ownership — including starting a business before she was ready, becoming overwhelmed, and making the difficult decision to step away for several years. She explains how that pause helped her gain the skills, confidence, and systems needed to come back stronger.

Today, Jessica runs a thriving coaching and consulting business focused on nonprofit and organizational leadership, which also helps su...

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, we’re joined by Graeson McGaha, a North Carolina comedian who’s built a loyal audience through viral generational humor, family-driven comedy, and authentic storytelling.

This conversation goes beyond jokes. Graeson shares the behind-the-scenes reality of growing from content creator to touring comedian and business owner. We talk about social media growth, building a merch operation, staying consistent, and navigating the pressure that comes with scaling a personal brand.

It’s an honest mix of comedy, business, and real-life lessons for anyone trying to turn creativity into opport...

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, we sit down with Aaron Wright, a serial entrepreneur who built and sold multiple pharmaceutical-based businesses before opening iSmash Wake Forest.

Aaron shares how he knew early in life that he wanted to be an entrepreneur, why experience often matters more than formal education, and what most people misunderstand about franchising.

We cover:

This episode is a real-world look...

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, Randy sits down with Ryan McEvoy, a former college hockey player turned multi-unit operator, franchise owner, and founder of a mission-driven nonprofit.

Ryan’s journey started with discipline and sacrifice. When he opened his first uBreakiFix location, his business partner fronted the startup costs. Ryan moved into the cheapest apartment he could find, had no furniture, and sometimes slept at the store because it was easier and safer. For more than six months, sleeping on the floor was part of the process. Buying a bed felt like a milestone.

Content Disclaimer:

Some topics in this episode involve assault, grief, substance abuse, and personal loss. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, we sit down with Ron Shirley, founder of Lizard Lick Towing and one of the most recognizable faces in reality television.

Ron shares his full story — from growing up with childhood trauma and navigating difficult relationships, to building a one-truck towing business into a nationally recognized brand. We go deep into the rise of Lizard Lick Towing, separating fact from myth when it comes to reality TV...

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, Randy Kerr sits down with Tanisha Butler, owner of Qwik Pack & Ship in Wake Forest, NC. Tanisha shares her journey from the corporate world into owning and operating a turnkey business alongside her family, and what that transition taught her about leadership, systems, and responsibility.

A major theme of this conversation is networking — something Tanisha admits she didn’t prioritize early on, but now considers essential to her success. We dive into her deep involvement with Women in Networking Wake Forest, her excitement about being asked to serve as Pres...

The CEO of the North Pole Santa Claus joins the Stay Broke Podcast! In this magical holiday episode, we explore how Santa leads the North Pole, manages the elves, innovates his Christmas systems, and spreads kindness around the world. Learn how he perfectly blends technology and magic to keep the whole operation going to make dreams come true. Perfect for kids AND parents—fun, heartwarming, and full of Stay Broke-style inspiration.

Have you ever wondered what Santa's favorite cookie is or how he gets around the rest of the year? Learn these answers and many more!

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, we sit down with Jim Thompson, the new President of the Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce. Jim shares his journey from growing up in North Carolina to navigating college, switching career paths, and ultimately stepping into the world of association leadership. His career took him through multiple executive roles across state and national organizations, where he built his reputation as a strong communicator, strategic leader, and steady hand during times of transition.

Jim opens up about what it was like stepping into the Chamber during a sensitive time, following...

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, Randy sits down with Lauren DiPasquale, the founder of RankRise Studio, a nationally recognized Google Business Profile management company helping businesses of every size increase visibility, ranking, and customer engagement.

Lauren takes us through her entrepreneurial journey — starting with her childhood surrounded by entrepreneurship through her father’s reptile-selling business, to trying out multiple ventures of her own, including online sales, social media management, and other side hustles. Eventually, everything pointed her toward one powerful niche: Google My Business optimization.

Today, she runs a thriving agency servicing clie...

What happens when a former MLB pitching prospect and a published running biomechanics expert team up to build a performance ecosystem unlike anything in North Carolina?

On this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, we sit down with Brandon Young and Dr. Lee Welch — the minds behind BYoung Physical Therapy, The Running PTs, 8ctane Baseball, and NC Biomechanics. Their story blends entrepreneurship, sports science, injury rehab, performance training, and innovative tech like 3D motion capture and force plates.

Whether you’re a baseball parent, runner, PT, coach, athlete, or a small business owner, this episode is P...

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, Randy sits down with Hannah Stutts, founder of JAKS Stables and The Samson Project, for a powerful and emotional conversation about resilience, purpose, and transformation.

Hannah’s story begins long before her 10-year journey as a business owner — from being a junior at NC State at just 17 years old, switching her major from bioengineering to agricultural science, to overcoming a rough childhood that inspired her life’s mission.

After a devastating horse “crash” that left her with a punctured lung, broken ribs, and a head injury, Hannah rebuilt no...

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, we sit down with Dan Wilson, Managing Partner of Viking Mergers & Acquisitions and a man who’s lived every side of entrepreneurship — from the grind of startup life to the strategy of multimillion-dollar exits.

Dan’s story begins in the U.S. Air Force, where discipline, structure, and leadership became the foundation of his entrepreneurial mindset. After leaving the military, he built an IT company from the ground up, navigated multiple acquisitions and a merger, and eventually sold his business for millions. Now, as a Managing Partner at Viking M&A an...

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, Randy Kerr sits down with Joe Kimray, co-owner of B&W Hardware — a 75-year-old Wake Forest landmark that’s now serving its fourth generation of customers.

Joe shares what it’s like marrying into a multigenerational family business and learning how to “retrovate” — blending old-school service with new ideas, products, and technology to keep a small-town hardware store thriving in a big-box world.

They dive into Joe’s national advocacy work as part of the National Retail Federation, where he’s traveled to Capitol Hill to fight for small retail...

In this non-political episode, Mayor Vivian Jones shares how a shop owner’s perspective shaped her journey from running a downtown restaurant with her sister to serving Wake Forest as commissioner and then mayor. We cover the practical stuff founders need: navigating permits and renovations, activating underused spaces, façade and small-business grants, and the partnerships—Town, Chamber, Wake Forest Downtown, Launch Wake Forest—that help entrepreneurs open faster and grow smarter. We also reflect on the growth and changes she’s seen since moving to Wake Forest in 1981, highlight local businesses, and leave you with concrete next steps to plug i...

When Ilia Kolosov first started selling ballroom dance shoes out of a duffel bag, he had no idea it would lead to an international brand. Today, as the founder of AIDA Dance USA and Ballroom Portal, Ilia has built a company grounded in discipline, integrity, and a deep passion for craftsmanship — but the path wasn’t easy.

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, Ilia opens up about the lessons behind the success: the years of grinding in New York, the personal mistakes that became turning points, and how coaching, faith, and mentorship helped him rebuild his mind...

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, we sit down with Jennifer Wood, the owner of The Burger Shop in Wake Forest, NC, to share a story that’s about far more than food.

Jennifer never planned to run a restaurant—she didn’t even like burgers. But life had other plans, and her journey from military wife and stay-at-home mom, to single mother, to losing her second husband to cancer, forged the grit and identity she carries into business today.

What started as survival became leadership. What started as uncertainty became a community favori...

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, we sit down with DAVIS88, a talented North Carolina artist who shares his inspiring journey from picking up a guitar for the first time to chasing his dream of becoming a full-time musician.

From taking voice lessons and learning the ropes of the music industry to creating his first EP in Wilmington, NC, DAVIS88 walks us through the highs, lows, and lessons of building a career in music. Along the way, he made key connections that led him to Nashville, TN, where his passion and persistence continue to open...

Today we are venturing to western Pennsylvania to sit down with Paul McCall and Greg Mcneish, founders of All About Ground Cover INC. Learn how the built a successful nursery business in a small town. With creative solutions for distribution and labor; using available resources and partnering with the Amish.

Brad Walker sold the software company he and his wife built—then moved to Wake Forest, NC and doubled down on helping entrepreneurs. In this episode, Brad shares how he started Launch Wake Forest and Launch Rolesville through the Rotary Club, why he earned his real estate license to buy and sell commercial properties, and how teaching the Launch Wake Forest course led him to his next challenge: studying for a contractor’s license to step into commercial development.

We dig into the mindset shift from founder to community builder, the nuts and bolts of launching local prog...

A detailed account of how Mike Donato created the revolutionary "Three-Pronged System" for evaluating top tier knives. Making Knife Purveyor the premier destination for collectors and enthusiasts of high-end custom and investment grade knives.

Go on a journey with JD owner/operator JB's Pool Care. A lesson in overcoming adversity and seeking opportunity. JD is proof that you can be recognized in any industry for being the best. Top 30 under 40 and Green to clean champion because of his focus on the customer experience. If a Tragic car accident couldn't steal his drive then nothing will.

Discussing market trends, the customer experience, and getting outside your comfort zone to gear up for expansion

Josh Ridinger, Owner of Wash World Laundry shares his journey of change the laundry industry. From coming up with the idea while obtaining his masters to purchasing his first location. Now building his fourth location, But planning his tenth. with a goal of building 6 more locations over the next 5 years.