The Think Small Podcast

In this episode of the Think Small podcast, Kayla from SweetBio takes us inside the decade-long journey of turning a bold idea combining collagen and Manuka honey into an FDA-cleared medical device that’s transforming wound care. She shares the real story behind bringing a biotech product from lab to launch, navigating setbacks, scaling a family-run company, and making advanced care accessible for everyone from Mohs surgery patients to those with chronic wounds. Kayla also reveals how SweetBio is preparing to reach millions more through over-the-counter innovation, offering a rare and inspiring look at the grit, science, and heart be...

In this episode of Think Small, Alex sits down with David Esposito, CEO of ONL Therapeutics, for a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the long, high-stakes journey of bringing a new drug to market. From university-born science and early discovery work to the realities of fundraising, clinical trials, and navigating investor expectations,

David breaks down how ONL is advancing a promising therapy to protect retinal cells and slow vision loss in age-related macular degeneration. It’s a candid, fast-moving conversation about innovation, risk, and the grit required to push life-changing treatments toward FDA approval.

Co...

In this episode, RealKey founder Christopher Hussain joins the Think Small Podcast to reveal how his AI-powered “deal room” is transforming the mortgage industry. He breaks down how RealKey streamlines processing and underwriting by automating document collection, verification, and communication for every party involved—from borrowers and brokers to agents, employers, and insurers—all in one unified space.

Christopher shares the origin story behind the platform, its pivots, his unique background as the nation’s top mortgage originator, and how RealKey’s world-class team is building a more efficient, secure, and scalable future for lending. We also look ahead a...

In this episode, HR expert Karen Young of HR Resolutions joins the show to talk about what modern, human-centered HR really looks like. From dismantling the “department of no” stereotype to building culture through honest communication, personalized leadership, and understanding how people actually work, Karen offers a refreshingly real take on creating thriving workplaces.

She shares practical insights on performance, communication styles, remote culture, and why humor, empathy, and curiosity matter just as much as policy. We also look ahead at HR Resolutions’ exciting growth and Karen’s mission to elevate the HR profession. A must-listen for leaders...

In this episode, Matt Greer of DMS Color—now evolving under the Gold Leaf Print & Packaging brand—shares how he helped transform a tiny basement print shop into a national operation serving major corporations with advanced digital printing, packaging, and their proprietary DigiFlow web-to-print platform.

Matt walks us through key breakthrough moments, from disrupting traditional print houses to expanding into sophisticated packaging solutions and navigating today’s shifting global supply chain. He also breaks down how Goldleaf scales, sells, engineers complex packaging, and what’s next as they prepare to launch a full direct-to-consumer platform. A fascinating look at...

Patrick McDonald of CMG joins the Think Small Podcast to share how he went from a corporate job to building a 30-property mobile home park portfolio, starting with a dilapidated 13-unit park he found near home. He walks us through the early hustle—digging up sewer lines, learning septic systems on the fly, flipping parks, landing seller-financed deals, and eventually quitting his job in the middle of 2020 to scale full-time.

Patrick breaks down the “own the land, not the home” model, managing parks from afar, creative financing strategies, and why manufactured housing is poised for massive growth thanks...

Nationwide Health CPR started with one retired firefighter’s drive to keep saving lives through education. In this Think Small episode, Jason Smith shares how that mission grew from Broward County, Florida, into a multi-state network providing CPR training every day across the country.

Jason also talks about their upcoming initiatives—from expanding AED access for homes and businesses to exploring short CPR training videos and even pet CPR in 2026. He discusses the importance of time in cardiac emergencies, how technology like PulsePoint and smartwatches help save lives, and why his team continues to focus on one simp...

After years of corporate marketing, Lior Krolewicz realized something was missing—the human side of business. In this episode, he shares how Yael Consulting brings big-brand strategy to entrepreneurs who just want results that matter. From saving a few hundred dollars to helping a business stay afloat, it’s work that feels real and rewarding.

From his early days learning Google Ads in 2009 to leading a hands-on team today, Lior explains why understanding the platform’s foundations—and truly caring about client success—makes all the difference.

Connect:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.c...

When you stop chasing deals and start chasing growth, everything changes. Philip Whitman joins Alex Reyes to share how curiosity, mentorship, and generosity built the foundation of Whitman Transition Advisors. He explains why showing up in the right rooms—and paying people more than you “have to”—isn’t just good business, it’s good leadership.

Their conversation moves from personal lessons to universal takeaways on networking, coaching, and culture. From listening to 75 podcasts a week to joining mastermind groups and coaching programs, Phil shows what it means to be a lifelong learner. His story is a reminder tha...

How to save a business on the brink? Meet Ken Yager, the “surgeon” for struggling companies.

When a business is two weeks away from missing payroll, who do you call? For many, that lifeline is Ken Yager, Founder of Newpoint Advisors, known for stepping into crisis-mode and helping small to mid-sized companies avoid collapse. In this episode, host Alex Reyes sits down with Ken to unpack:

In this episode, host Alex Reyes sits down with Greg Parsons, Owner and Managing Director of Sharpham Dairy, to explore how a career spent inside some of the world’s biggest food companies inspired him to go small — and build something more sustainable, transparent, and human.

Connect:

LinkedIn: https...

From side-hustle beginnings to leading one of the Carolinas’ most respected custom apparel shops, Jeremy Ray shares how Rockhill Printing scaled fast—then learned to scale smart. In this candid conversation, Jeremy breaks down the lessons behind sustainable growth, managing people, and building systems that actually free up time instead of creating chaos.

Whether you run a print shop or any growing small business, this episode is packed with field-tested insights about leadership, finance, and finding the “sweet spot” between hustle and happiness.

In this episode:

Ever thought about franchising your business — but don’t know where to start? 🤔

Tom DuFore, CEO of Big Sky Franchise Team, joins Alex to break down what it really takes to turn a small business into a scalable franchise. Learn how to tell if your business is “franchise-ready,” what buyers actually look for, and why today’s franchise world is full of opportunities for small owners.

In this episode:

Truck driver health is in crisis—but change starts with one small step. In this episode of The Think Small Podcast, host Alex sits down with Bob Perry, known as The Trucker Trainer and founder of Health in Transportation and FitDrivers.com, to unpack the real cost of poor driver wellness—and what fleets can do to turn it around.

From skyrocketing healthcare claims to the rise of GLP-1 drugs, Perry reveals why quick fixes aren’t the answer. Instead, he shares how nutrition, movement, and mental health support can reduce turnover, prevent disqualifications, and keep drivers safely...

In this episode, Allen Borts joins The Think Small Podcast to explore the rapidly evolving world of AI and its practical impact on business and human creativity. He shares stories of leveraging AI beyond simple prompts—treating it as a conversational partner that can help solve complex, real-world challenges.

The discussion covers the rise of hyper-prompting, AI as a true co-pilot in problem-solving, and the importance of selecting the right tools—from GPT to emerging models like Mistral, Meta’s Llama, and IBM’s Granite. Allen also introduces his interdisciplinary AI community, a global network of providers and cons...

On this episode of Think Small, Karen Bertrand shares her journey of growing ClearCloud Bookkeeping from a one-woman operation to a team of five and reflects on the challenges of moving from employee to business owner. She emphasizes accountability, transparency, and the role of her firm as “the nurses of the business world”—educating, supporting, and cheering on clients while keeping their books reliable and tax-ready.

Beyond bookkeeping, Karen reveals how her team provides guidance, education, and advisory services like budgeting and cash flow forecasting, while also exploring the promises and pitfalls of AI in accounting.

Emai...

What does it really take for businesses to stay compliant and sustainable in today’s fast-changing world?

In this episode of The Think Small Podcast, host Alex Reyes sits down with John Beath, CEO of JBE LLC, to explore how companies can navigate environmental regulations and global sustainability standards with confidence. John shares how his team helps organizations of all sizes — from Fortune 200s to regional councils — stay ahead of evolving requirements while making responsible, lasting changes.

From challenging an EPA rule in the Exxon Valdez case that would have increased emissions, to guiding companies throug...

What if you could find everything you love about fitness, sports, and wellness—all under one roof?

From world-class facilities and professional training to family-friendly programs and even an innovative performance academy for student-athletes, The St. James has redefined what it means to be a destination for health, play, and community.

In this episode of Think Small, Douglas Homer, Director of Sports Business Development at The St. James, shares how the facility grew from a bold idea into a 450,000-square-foot hub serving everyone from toddlers to pro athletes—and making life easier for working parents by b...

From 25 years in IT to running a trucking company, Ben Smith’s journey is anything but ordinary.

In this episode of The Think Small Podcast, Ben shares how he acquired Cupboard Wagon, a 20-year-old logistics business, and turned it into a specialized leader in luxury cabinetry delivery. He opens up about the learning curve of DOT compliance, the cultural shift of managing a blue-collar team, and why Cupboard Wagon’s success is rooted in its core values: Relationships, Integrity, Community, and Excellence (RICE).

Launching a business is exciting—but staying the course is where the real challenge begins! In today’s episode, we sit down with Jeremy Griffin from Startup Street to uncover what it really takes to build something that lasts.

From honest planning and surviving the boredom trap to finding optimism when the grind gets tough, this is a conversation every entrepreneur needs to hear. If you’re a founder, dreamer, or anyone in between, this conversation will give you both perspective and practical advice to keep moving forward.

About Jeremy Griffin:

Jeremy Griffin is the...