Small Town Big Business

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/

Susan Willis 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: https://www.susanwillisphotography.com/ Eight Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing for Headshots pdf guide: https://www.susanwillisphotography.co...

Carbondale New School: Jessica Visage | 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: http://www.carbondalenewschool.com/in... SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Watermark Auto Group: https://www.watermark.auto/ Fowler Heating & Cooling: https://fowlerheatingandcooling.com/ Swinford Media Group: https://swinfordpublications.com/ Arcadia Wealth Group: https://www.raymondjames.com/arcadiaw... Banterra Bank: https://www.banterra.bank/ Southern Illinois Now: https://southernillinoisnow.org/ Produced by Union Street Arts https://www.unionstreetarts.com/

From Magic to Mentorship: Chris Egelston - The Impact of Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship

n this episode of Small Town Big Business, we chat with Chris Egelston, a leading figure at the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship. Chris shares his insights into the Institute's mission to empower young entrepreneurs through innovative educational programs like the CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) program. We delve into the transformative impact of experiential learning, the challenges of fostering entrepreneurial spirit in small towns, and success stories from the program. Tune in to discover how the Midland Institute is shaping the future of business in Southern Illinois and beyond. Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois. https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Our guest: https://wowyourcrowdguaranteed.com/

Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch: Judy Hoepker - Small Town Big Business

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

Hale's Automotive: Matt Mevert - 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: In this episode, hosts Russell Williams and Jennifer Olson interview Matt Mavert, the new owner of Hale's Automotive. Matt shares his journey from growing up in a family of car enthusiasts in Steeleville, Illinois, to taking over Hale's Automotive in Marion. He discusses the importance of legacy businesses, the challenges and rewards of expanding his operations, and the pivotal role of his team in the company's success. Matt also offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the significance of just getting started, being adaptable, and surrounding oneself with the right people. With a focus on customer service acmmunity involvement, Matt's story is a testament to the potential for growth and impact in small-town America.

Little Nashville Cafe: Aaron Smith - Small Town Big Business

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

Delve Health Consulting: Building Better Workplaces with Dr. Brooke Jacobs, PsyD

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

Banterra Bank: Jennifer Spence & Ben Craft - 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.banterra.bank SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Watermark Auto Group: https://www.watermark.auto/ Fowler Heating & Cooling: https://fowlerheatingandcooling.com/ Swinford Media Group: https://swinfordpublications.com/ Arcadia Wealth Group: https://www.raymondjames.com/arcadiaw... Banterra Bank: https://www.banterra.bank/ Southern Illinois Now: https://southernillinoisnow.org/ Produced by Union Street Arts https://www.unionstreetarts.com/