Small Town Big Business

100 Episodes of Small Town Spirit: Celebrating Community, Growth, and Local Success

🎉 Welcome to the 100th Episode of the Small Town Big Business Podcast! 🎉

In this milestone episode, we’re celebrating the incredible journey of Small Town Big Business! Host Russ Williams is joined by co-creators and co-hosts past and present, including Allison Hassler, Jennifer Olson, Deb Barnett, and guest host Joe, for a live event filled with laughs, stories, and the inspiring voices of Southern Illinois.

This special episode takes us behind the scenes of how the podcast was born over a cup of coffee at Crown Brew, the stories of 100+ local businesses who made it possible, and a look at what’s next for this growing community of entrepreneurs and small-town champions.

Tune in for: 📖 The origin story of Small Town Big Business and how it grew to highlight over 100 businesses.
🎤 Highlights and memories from favorite episodes and the inspiring entrepreneurs we’ve met along the way.
😂 Funny bloopers and candid moments.
🚀 What’s next for the podcast and our vision for the future of small-town businesses.

A huge THANK YOU to our listeners, guests, and sponsors who have been with us on this journey! And special thanks to So IL Cinema for capturing this memorable event with their photography. 📸

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share to support local businesses and stay updated on future episodes!

Here’s to celebrating the heart and soul of small towns, and to the next 100 episodes of showcasing the incredible community of Southern Illinois! 🏘️❤️

#SmallTownBigBusiness #100Episodes #SupportLocal #CommunityFirst

75 Years Strong: John Cavaness on Legacy, Community, and Change at Jackson & Gray Insurance

n this episode of Small Town Big Business, hosts Jennifer Olson and Russell Williams sit down with John Cavaness, owner of Jackson Gray Insurance. Celebrating over 75 years in business, Jackson Gray has become a pillar of the Marion, Illinois, community. John shares his journey of returning home from St. Louis to lead the family business, the importance of community ties, and how adapting to modern technology has transformed the way they serve clients. From rebuilding after a devastating fire to navigating the challenges of a multi-generational family business, John’s insights offer a heartfelt look at resilience, legacy, and the unique advantages of doing business in a small town. Perfect for entrepreneurs, small-town advocates, and anyone interested in the stories behind enduring family businesses. Tune in for practical advice, inspiring stories, and a look into the legacy of Jackson Gray Insurance! Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois. https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Our guest: https://jacksonandgray.com/

Capturing Memories: Karina Neill Photography | Small Town Big Business Podcast

Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois. https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Our guest: www.karinaneillphotography.com

NubAblilty Athletics: Sam Kuhnert’s Journey to Empower Limb-Different Youth Through Sports

In this episode of Small Town Big Business, hosts Deb Barnett and Russell Williams interview Sam Kuhnert, the founder of NubAbility, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering limb-different youth through sports. Sam shares his inspiring journey growing up in Du Quoin, Illinois, where he overcame skepticism and adversity due to his limb difference. Despite being told he wouldn't succeed in sports, Sam pursued his passion for baseball, proving his doubters wrong with hard work and resilience. His experiences, including being cut from his middle school baseball teams and battling a rare and life-threatening disease, fueled his drive to create NubAbility. NubAbility began after Sam attended a camp for limb-different kids, where he realized the importance of mentorship. Today, NubAbility hosts sports camps across the U.S., providing mentorship from limb-different athletes who encourage kids to embrace challenges. Sam credits his faith and his family, especially his mother, for instilling resilience and supporting him through difficult times. He emphasizes the value of persistence and self-belief, encouraging listeners to face obstacles directly and turn failures into steps toward success. The episode concludes with details on how to support NubAbility, including visiting their website for donations and camp information. The hosts also thank the show's sponsors and Union Street Arts for producing the podcast. Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois. https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Our guest: https://nubability.org/

Beverly Daniel-Stewart's Inspiring Journey with A Taste of Bev | Small Town Big Business

In this episode, hosts Jennifer Olson (Director of Business Development for Marion, Illinois) and Russell Williams (Director of Ethos) sit down with Beverly Daniel Stewart, the owner of A Taste of Bev Catering & More, to explore her inspiring entrepreneurial story. Beverly shares how she turned her love for cooking into a business, the challenges she faced, and the incredible support from her family, friends, and the community.

Flamm Orchards: A 136-Year Farming Legacy in Cobden, Illinois w/ Parker & Austin Flamm

Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois. https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Our guest: https://flammorchards.com/

Honey Heist Mead Company: Jacqueline Robbins’ Journey to Crafting Southern Illinois’ First Meadery

In this episode, we dive into the story of Jackie Robbins, the passionate entrepreneur behind Honey Heist Mead Company, nestled in the rolling hills of Southern Illinois in Cobden. 🌾🐝 From her fascinating journey in the Marine Corps to her love for flavors and the unexpected rise of her meadery, Jackie shares how she and her team are pioneering a unique business in a small town. Discover the magic of mead, how it complements Southern Illinois' renowned wine trail, and the inspiration behind her Midwest-rooted flavors. 🍯🍷 Don't miss out on hearing about her innovative events, like "Mead and Musings," and how social media has played a vital role in her early success. Whether you're a business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just someone who loves a good story, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois. https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Our guest: https://www.honeyheistmeadco.com/

Bennie's Italian Foods with John Hill

The Small Town Big Business podcast episode features Benny's Italian Foods, a family-owned restaurant with a rich history in Marion, Illinois. Bennie's has been a staple in the community for decades, known for its traditional Italian dishes made in-house and its deep commitment to customer service. The restaurant is currently owned and operated by John Hill, who shares his journey of maintaining the business, adapting to changes in the industry, and striving to keep Benny's at the forefront of Marion's dining landscape. In this episode, hosts Jennifer Olson and Russ Williams explore the challenges and successes of running a small business in a small town, with John providing valuable insights into the evolution of Bennie's, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and his plans for the future. John emphasizes the importance of quality, community, and the legacy of Bennie's, as he discusses his efforts to ensure the restaurant remains a beloved part of Marion's culinary landscape. Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois. https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Our guest: https://benniesitalianfoods.com/

Milkweed Provisions: Kara Flaherty - From Big City to Small Town Marion, Illinois Wine & Cheese Shop

Welcome to Small Town Big Business, the podcast that explores big business in small-town rural America! Hosted by Jennifer Olson, Director of Business Development for the City of Marion, and Russell Williams, Director of Ethos, this episode features a special guest, Kara Flaherty, owner of Milkweed Provisions in Marion, Illinois. 🧀🍷 Kara shares her journey from St. Louis to Marion, turning her extensive background in wine and retail into a charming shop that’s more than just wine and cheese—it's a space filled with all her passions, from books to candles. Kara discusses the challenges and rewards of opening a small business in a rural area, the importance of community, and her plans for the future, including wine classes and private events. We’re also approaching our 100th episode—stay tuned for more exciting announcements! 🎉 Special thanks to our sponsors: Arcadia Wealth Group, Black Diamond Harley Davidson and RV, Fowler Heating and Cooling, Swinford Media Group, Watermark Auto Group Foundation, Banterra Bank, and Southern Illinois Now. Find us on your favorite podcast app and on YouTube. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! For more about Ethos, visit ethosmarion.org. Tune in now to hear Kara's inspiring story and get a taste of Milkweed Provisions! 📲🍷 #SmallTownBigBusiness #SupportLocal #MilkweedProvisions #MarionILRecorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois. https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Our guest:   / milkweed-provisions-61552216176937

From Farm to Boutique: How Brandy Renshaw Revitalized a Historic Home into a Thriving Business Hub

In this episode of "Small Town Big Business," hosts Jennifer Olson, the Director of Business Development for the City of Marion, and Russell Williams, Director of Ethos, sit down with Brandy Renshaw, a third-generation farmer and owner of Farmer's Daughter Boutique and the Casper House in Anna, Illinois. Brandy shares her journey from opening a boutique in her hometown of Olive Branch to revitalizing a historic home in Anna, turning it into a thriving business hub for women entrepreneurs. Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois. https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Our guest:   / the-casper-house-61554922300525   https://farmersdaughter316.com/