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Entrepreneurship and Business Opportunities in Today’s Small Towns hosted by Russell Williams, Jennifer Olson, and Deb Barnett.
Episodes
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
From Physical Therapy to Creative Entrepreneurship: Jennifer Colbert's Journey with Bits and Pieces Art and Antiques
In this episode of Small Town Big Business, hosts Deb Barnett and Russ Williams interview Jennifer Colbert, the owner of Bits and Pieces Art and Antiques located in Marion, Illinois. Jennifer shares her transition from a 27-year career in physical therapy to becoming a small business owner. She discusses her passion for hand-cut collage, the story behind her love for antiques, and the inspiration to create a community-centered business. Jennifer also talks about the importance of supporting local businesses, her experience navigating the first month of her new venture, and the unique culture of Marion’s downtown business community. The episode highlights the role of mentorship and community in fostering small business success.
00:00 Welcome to Small Town Big Business
01:19 Meet Jennifer Colbert of Bits and Pieces
01:37 Jennifer's Journey: From Physical Therapy to Entrepreneurship
02:52 The Art of Hand-Cut Collage
05:46 Building a Business in Marion, Illinois
12:59 Community and Collaboration
16:17 Challenges and Rewards of a New Business
23:47 The Importance of Shopping Local
26:23 Final Thoughts and Farewell
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
In this episode of the Small Town Big Business Podcast, co-hosts Deb Barnett (Southern Illinois Now) and Russ Williams (Ethos) sit down with Tyler and Emily Dihle of Dihle Law Firm. Discover how this dynamic duo built their business, balanced family life, and embraced the power of authenticity to thrive in Southern Illinois.
📌 Topics Covered:
Tyler’s transition to entrepreneurship and opening Dihle Law Firm.
How Emily’s social media expertise and YouTube channel (Beauty Broadcast) help grow their business.
The challenges and rewards of starting a business as a couple.
Tyler’s woodworking passion and how it connects with their community.
💡 Whether you're a small business owner, creative, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights on building relationships, leveraging social media, and finding your “why.”
📍 Dihle Law Firm: https://dihlelawfirm.com
🔗 Watch More Episodes: ethosmarion.org
📲 Follow Us on Social Media:
Ethos: @EthosMarion
Dihle Law Firm: @DihleLawFirm
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
🎉 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
Thursday Nov 07, 2024
Thursday Nov 07, 2024
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/
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
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
Thursday Oct 17, 2024
Thursday Oct 17, 2024
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/
Wednesday Oct 02, 2024
Wednesday Oct 02, 2024
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.
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
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/
Thursday Sep 05, 2024
Thursday Sep 05, 2024
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/
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
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/