Small Town Big Business

Victor Baker: Everything Barbell CrossFit

Join us for an engaging conversation with Victor Baker, the passionate owner of Everything Barbell CrossFit. Victor shares his 10-year journey from beginning CrossFit to lose weight for a Border Patrol job, to owning a worldwide CrossFit business. Hear about his early challenges, from the intimidating first visit to HealthPoint CrossFit in Missouri to building his gym with his own hands. Victor also dives into his efforts to give back to the community through events and drives, highlighting how his upbringing in Mounds, Illinois, shaped his entrepreneurial and philanthropic spirit. Whether it's competing, coaching, or fostering a supportive community, Victor's story is a testament to hard work, faith, and laughter.
00:00 Introduction to Victor Baker and Everything Barbell CrossFit
00:28 Victor's Journey into CrossFit
02:59 Growing Up in Mounds, Illinois
05:19 Transition to Marion and Early Career
06:31 From Competitor to CrossFit Owner
10:53 Building the First CrossFit Location
15:49 Moving to the New Location
20:55 Growing Membership and Packages
21:39 Community Engagement and Food Drives
24:16 Balancing Business and Personal Expectations
26:01 CrossFit's Affiliate Model and Business Customization
28:51 Challenges and Joys of Small Business Ownership
30:15 Marketing Strategies and Social Media Presence
33:04 How to Join and Upcoming Events
37:01 Personal Motivation and Philosophy
38:47 Podcast Experience and Final Thoughts

Mary's Restaurant: David Hayes on A Southern Illinois Institution

The Legacy of Mary's Restaurant: A Conversation with David Hayes
In this episode, we delve into the storied history of Mary's Restaurant in Herron, Illinois, through the eyes of its owner, David Hayes. Born and raised in Marion, David discusses his deep-rooted connections to Southern Illinois and his unexpected journey into the restaurant business. From his first job at Pay Less Shoe Source to inheriting Mary's Restaurant in 1992, David shares the lessons learned and challenges faced over nearly four decades in the fine dining industry. He also touches on the evolution of the restaurant, adapting during and after COVID-19, and the significance of maintaining a committed and happy staff. Furthermore, listeners get insights into David's catering ventures, his approach to balancing work and life, and the transition towards passing the business to his son. David's story is one of resilience, adaptation, and a passion for delivering an exceptional dining experience.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:17 David Hayes' Background
01:11 Journey into the Restaurant Business
03:42 Taking Over Mary's Restaurant
07:26 Maintaining Success and Work Ethic
11:17 Balancing Work and Life
14:23 Staff Turnover and Career Growth
15:14 Expanding into Catering
17:04 Catering Challenges and Tips
18:57 Future Plans and Family Involvement
21:27 Adapting the Bed and Breakfast
22:43 Keys to Longevity in Business
25:25 The 'Why' Behind the Business
28:29 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.
https://members.ethosmarion.org/ 
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Our guest: http://www.marysfinedining.com/

Inspiring Hope: The Journey of Tina Porter and AP3 Foundation

Finding Hope Through Tragedy: Tina Porter's Inspirational Journey and Mission
In this episode, we welcome special guest Tina Porter from Inspire Hope Counseling Ministry Center, LLC. Tina shares the heart-wrenching story of losing her son, Aaron Porter Jr., and how it led her to establish both the Inspire Hope Counseling Ministry Center and the AP3 Hope Foundation. Dedicated to offering grief and trauma counseling, Tina's organizations support parents and individuals suffering from loss, as well as providing legacy scholarships to student athletes. Tina discusses her journey from personal grief to helping over 3,000 people, the faith-based foundation of her services, and how her husband plays a pivotal role in managing the business aspects. Additionally, Tina talks about her book, "Pain to Purpose," where she shares her personal reflections and professional expertise on overcoming grief. Throughout the episode, Tina emphasizes the importance of not being afraid to dream and the pivotal role of faith in her mission to inspire hope in others.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:13 Meet Tina Porter
00:26 The Story of AP3
01:01 Founding Inspire Hope Counseling Ministry Center
02:45 Services and Reach
03:33 Faith-Based Counseling Approach
04:06 Choosing Between Nonprofit and LLC
08:26 Community Support and Partnerships
10:54 Writing 'Pain to Purpose'
15:22 Encouragement for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
17:58 Conclusion and Contact Information

Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.
https://members.ethosmarion.org/ 
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Our guest: https://www.facebook.com/p/AP3-Hope-Foundation-Inc-100083209092937/

 

Downtown Fizz: A Small Town Success Story with Bailey Lowes

n this episode of the Small Town Big Business podcast, co-hosts Deb Barnett and Russ Williams interview Bailey Lowes, a young entrepreneur who transitioned from teaching to starting her own soda business, Downtown Fizz, in Marion, Illinois. Bailey shares her journey from her initial venture at vendor fairs to owning a storefront in a historic building. She discusses the support she received from her entrepreneurial family, the challenges of inventory management, and her vision for the future. The episode provides an inspiring look at taking calculated risks, the importance of community support, and the power of pursuing your passion. 00:00 Welcome to Small Town Big Business 00:55 Meet Our Special Guest: Bailey Lows 01:31 Bailey's Journey: From Teaching to Entrepreneurship 04:05 Starting Downtown Fizz: The Inspiration and Early Days 10:03 The Transition: From Vendor Fairs to a Mobile Business 14:12 Opening the Downtown Space: Challenges and Successes 17:58 Searching for the Perfect Building 18:57 The Late-Night Decision 20:44 Support from Family and Friends 22:15 Choosing Marion for the Storefront 23:39 Expanding Product Offerings 26:00 Customer Experience and Store Aesthetics 27:46 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 30:58 Challenges and Inventory Management 34:45 Marketing and Social Media 35:21 Conclusion and Contact Information 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.facebook.com/profile.php?...

Exploring Real Merchant Services: Luke & Amber Edmonds on Payment Solutions - Small Town Big Business

Empowering Small Town Businesses: An Interview with Amber and Luke Edmonds of Real Merchant Services

In this episode of Small Town Big Business, co-hosts Deb Barnett and Russ Williams introduce listeners to Amber and Luke Edmonds of Real Merchant Services. Amber and Luke share their journey from meeting in college to building a successful business focused on providing honest and transparent merchant services to small businesses in Southern Illinois. The conversation delves into their personal stories, the genesis of their company, and the importance of networking, support systems, and consistent efforts in growing their venture. The Edmonds also discuss the core values of Real Merchant Services, emphasizing the elimination of hidden fees, the flexibility of contracts, and the accessibility of their support system. The couple's focus on community involvement, support for each other, and genuine connections highlights their commitment to uplifting the local business ecosystem while ensuring a better future for their family and broader community.

00:00 Welcome to Small Town Big Business

00:56 Meet Luke and Amber Edmonds

01:12 The Origin Story

03:02 Challenges and Early Entrepreneurship

05:41 Networking and Building Connections

10:48 Amber's Journey to Confidence

15:37 Understanding Real Merchant Services

17:29 Merchant Services: The Hidden Costs

19:32 Real Merchant's Unique Approach

21:03 Addressing Startup Concerns

22:51 Tailored Solutions for Businesses

23:52 Support and Accessibility

26:23 Marketing Strategies and Social Media

29:01 The Story Behind the Rhinoceros Logo

30:33 Personal Motivations and Goals

35:06 Final Thoughts and Advice

 

Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.
https://members.ethosmarion.org/ 
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Heaven Lunsford: Southern Beauty Aesthetics - Small Town Big Business Podcast

In this inspiring episode, co-host Deb Barnett sits down with Heaven Lunsford, founder and esthetician at Southern Beauty Aesthetics in Marion, Illinois. Originally from Quincy and raised in Dix, Illinois, Heaven shares her journey from relocating to Marion to launching her business in 2022 with a vision and no local network. Through grit, community involvement, and a deep passion for helping others, Heaven has built a thriving aesthetic studio and is already planning her next phase: expansion. She discusses the challenges of marketing, the power of community support, and how being intentional about time and balance helps her succeed in both business and family life. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:46 Meet Heaven Lunsford: Southern Beauty Aesthetics 01:01 Starting the Business Journey 02:09 Finding the Perfect Location 04:09 Building the Business from Scratch 05:23 Community Involvement and Support 08:44 Business Structure and Future Plans 13:11 Marketing Challenges and Successes 14:21 Navigating the Advertising Maze 14:57 Leveraging Resources for Business Growth 16:12 Behind the Scenes of Business Ownership 20:24 Balancing Family and Business 24:40 Future Plans and Final Thoughts Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois. https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST

Flex-Line Automation: Innovation in Small Towns

Cathy Rinne and Lauren Van De Mark - Flex Line Automation In this episode of 'Small Town, Big Business,' host Deb Barnett sits down with Cathy Rinne and Lauren Van De Mark of Flex-Line Automation from Chester, Illinois. They discuss the company's 40-year journey from a family farm shop to becoming a significant player in industrial automation. Cathy and Lauren share insights into the challenges and successes of running a family business, the impact of automation on manufacturing, and the importance of community and collaboration. They also discuss their experiences as women in the industry and the transformative role of social media and AI in modern business. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgements 00:43 Meet Kathy and Lauren: The Faces Behind FlexLine Automation 01:18 The Origin Story of FlexLine Automation 03:24 Challenges and Growth in the Early Years 04:47 Becoming a Woman-Owned Business 05:43 Lauren's Journey into the Family Business 07:56 The Importance of Small Town Manufacturing 10:30 What FlexLine Automation Does 14:00 Reaching Out to Rural Manufacturers 18:26 The Role of Automation in Modern Manufacturing 24:39 Women in Manufacturing: Breaking Stereotypes 32:18 Challenges of Running a Family Business 34:09 Balancing Family and Business Dynamics 36:00 Challenges of Joining a Family Business 37:37 Embracing Technology and AI 45:19 The Importance of Networking and Resources 48:41 Collaboration and Industry Insights 51:59 The Conveyor Cougar and Social Media 55:42 The Why Behind FlexLine Automation 01:03:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois. https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Our guest: https://flex-lineautomation.com/

Sumer School: Sumer Oglesby's Vision for Education

In this episode of Small Town Big Business, co-hosts Deb Barnett and Russ Williams introduce Sumer Oglesby, founder of Sumer School in Marion, Illinois. Sumer School began in 2021 to address educational gaps exacerbated by COVID-19, evolving from a tutoring service into a comprehensive enrichment program offering art, science, and more. Summer, a third-grade teacher with 13 years of experience, discusses her transition from public school teaching to entrepreneurship, focusing on providing hands-on, technology-free learning experiences. Facing the challenges of balancing two full-time roles and the intricacies of business management, Sumer shares her dedication to fostering an inclusive and engaging environment for students. Community support and the importance of allowing children to learn at their own pace without the constraints of age-specific curriculum are highlighted.

00:00 Welcome to Small Town Big Business
01:03 Meet Our Special Guest: Sumer Oglesby
01:40 Sumer's Teaching Journey
03:26 The Birth of Sumer School
04:58 Innovative Learning Approaches
10:41 Building and Expanding Sumer School
12:23 Balancing Teaching and Business
14:11 Identifying Core Responsibilities
14:42 Delegating Tasks for Growth
17:21 Community Support and Sponsorship
18:48 Marketing Challenges and Strategies
21:07 Educational Programs and Services
23:13 The Motivation Behind the Mission
26:07 Conclusion and Contact Information

 

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.sumerschool.com/

Roany Pony Boutique: Jacqueline Barringer - Small Town Big Business Podcast

Launching Big Businesses in Small Towns with Roany Pony Boutique's Jacqueline Barringer
In this episode of Small Town Big Business, hosts Jennifer Olson and Russ Williams introduce Jacqueline Barringer, the owner of Roany Pony Boutique. Jacqueline shares her entrepreneurial journey, starting from an online shop to opening a physical store in Marion, Illinois. She talks about the challenges she faced, her passion for Western clothing, and the support from her husband and parents. The discussion also touches on community support, the importance of social media, and Jacqueline’s future plans for her business. Tune in to hear her inspiring story and get insights into running a successful business in a small town.
00:00 Introduction and Hosts Welcome
00:47 Introducing Today's Guest: Jacqueline Berenger
01:06 Jacqueline's Business Journey
06:32 Challenges and Support in Business
13:33 Future Plans and Social Media
25:25 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
27:05 Conclusion and Thank You

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

Zac Taylor: Taylor Auction & Realty - Small Town Big Business Podcast

Auctioning Across America: Inside Taylor Auction & Realty
In this riveting episode of Small Town Big Business, co-hosts Deb Barnett and Russ Williams sit down with Zack Taylor of Taylor Auction & Realty. Zac takes us through the rich history of his family's auction business, from its beginnings with his grandfather to its expansive reach across all 50 states. Learn about Zac's journey into the auction industry, the intricacies of auctioneering, and the heartwarming stories that highlight the relational aspect of his work. Get insights into the challenges and triumphs of growing a business, including navigating regulatory requirements, training new talent, and the importance of a solid network. Plus, enjoy a live auction chant demonstration that showcases Zac's unique skills. Whether you're a small business owner or just curious about the auction world, this episode offers valuable lessons in entrepreneurship, growth, and community impact.
00:00 Welcome to Small Town Big Business
00:55 Meet Zach Taylor: Auctioneer Extraordinaire
01:49 The Art of Auctioneering
02:37 A Family Legacy: Taylor Auction Company
04:33 Expanding the Business
07:54 Managing Success and Workforce Challenges
13:23 Unique Auctions and Memorable Sales
16:30 Marketing and Networking Strategies
17:41 Marketing Budgets and Upcoming Auctions
18:27 Traveling and Future Goals
19:50 Adapting to COVID-19
20:14 The Role of Online Auctions
21:55 Family and Team Dynamics
24:51 Community Involvement and Personal Motivation
26:03 Auction Chant Demonstration
29:28 Closing Remarks and Podcast Information
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.taylorauction.com/