Small Business War Stories

Michael Slotboom is doing things on his terms. He was on track to run the machine shop at the University of Texas, but he discovered he really wanted to make custom guitar parts. So he talked to his wife and they invested their savings into starting a specialized shop. Fifteen years later, his parts are sought the world over, and you can see them on stage when you see many of your favorite artists.  

Erin O'Keefe is the kind of woman that sees a vision and makes it happen. She learned about what makes a great recording studio...and then built one! What amazing artists is she recording these days? How do you even build a studio? What is the future of the music business? All of this and more in today's show. You can learn more about Firefly Austin Studio at https://www.fireflyaustinstudio.com/

Grace Reyer and Big Henry's Vinyl and Gifts are at the epicenter of Austin music and culture. How did Grace and up with her dream job? What's the importance of self-care when managing a small business? All of this and more in today's episode. You can learn more about Big Henry's at https://bighenrysvinylandgifts.com//

Bubba O'Keefe has the spirit of the Mississippi Delta running through his veins. What stories does he have to tell about the Crossroads? Why is Clarksdale a great place to visit and/or start a business? And what are the kinds of people who succeed here? Bubba has seen it all...and he shares his stories on today's episode. You can learn more about Bubba and the Clarksdale, Mississippi at https://www.visitclarksdale.com/    

Clarksdale, Mississippi is home to the world-famous Crossroads...where Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his guitar chops. Why did Robert and Lucy decide to start a hostel in Clarksdale after succeeding with their property in New Orleans? What interesting stories live within the four walls of the Auberge? All of this and more in today's episode. You can learn more about Robert and the Auberge Hostel at https://aubergehostels.com/

And...this week we wrap up the amazing story of Alligator Records. There's even more music in this episode, courtesy of Bruce and Alligator. We also cover the most harrowing and dramatic story we have heard on the podcast to date, involving a train derailment, tragedy, and redemption.  

So many firsts in this episode! First time we have had music in the podcast. First time the conversation was so good and so long that we had to break it up into two episodes. How did Bruce get started as a record executive? Why did he give Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys a guitar?  What does Bruce think about the future of the music business? All of this in this week's episode. Don't forget to tune in next week for Part 2 to hear about how Bruce helped save a band from dying in a derailed train. You can learn more about Bruce and his label and buy all the music in this episode at https://www.alligator.com

Todd Sanders always knew he wanted to be an artist. He get into making neon signs, and he developed a clientele of businesses who sought him for commercial signs. But Todd wanted more...he wanted to make fine art with neon. He was committed. So committed that at one point he slept in a trailer in a field with no electricity. He gritted his way forward, to where today he has an iconic shop in South Austin and his art is displayed the world over. Todd shares his story in today's episode...including the story of the largest piece he has ever sold, a set of three luchador masks with the colors of the Mexican flag.   You can find Todd's work at https://www.roadhouserelics.com/

Lance Herrington found himself in a tough place when Houston, in his words, collapsed in the 1980s, and he was out of a job. He picked himself up by the bootstraps, and together with his wife Pam, they started a business restoring and selling Ford Thunderbirds out of his garage. Fast forward to today, and the Herringtons have a successful classic car business in La Grange, Texas, on a prime piece of real estate on the highway that connects Austin and Houston.  We cover Lance's amazing journey, classic cars in general, and hear about the time Lance flew to pick up a car with Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top. You can find Timeless Texas Classics at https://www.thunderbirdsouthwest.com/

Britton was unsure he wanted to continue his job in digital media. And then came his biggest blessing in disguise: he was laid off. He started making cutting boards as a way to make money over the holidays, and that slowly evolved to him crafting beautiful custom wood furniture, cabinets, and more. How was Britton's family crucial to his transition? How did he handle the fear and anxiety that came with making a leap into the unknown? All of this and more in today's episode. You can find Britton's work at http://lucktonewoodshop.com/. We also reference two past episodes where we spoke with Michael Dalle Molle and Jordan Gurren of GoodWood Nola, those episodes can be found here: https://smallbusinesswarstories.com/custom-furniture-business https://smallbusinesswarstories.com/goodwood-nola-growing-a-custom-furniture-design-and-fabrication-shop-in-new-orleans-louisiana-michael-dalle-molle-and-jordan-gurren        

DaVon Walker wanted to see positive, sleek, motivational clothing designs, and no matter how hard he looked, he could not find what he had in mind. So he did what entrepreneurs do...he made the clothes himself! We meet DaVon two years into his journey. We talk about his inspiration, his designs, and how he gets it all done.

Michael and Kathy Dumont made a big bet by moving from New England to Tennessee. They bet that they could buy and revitalize a historic hotel in a small Tennessee town. What happened after The Commodore Hotel opened? How many businesses now surround it? What are the rewards and challenges of revitalizing a historic property? All of this and more in today's episode.

Walter Carter and his wife Christie spent decades working in the vintage guitar business...and they had a vision. It was a vision of a guitar store where kids and internationally-renowned musicians alike could feel comfortable playing and appreciating collectible stringed instruments. The business has grown rapidly, and in a short seven years, Carter Vintage Guitars has become a destination for musicians and fans of vintage instruments worldwide. We dug into Walter's philosophy, the pros and cons of a physical store in a digital world, Carter's social media and video strategy, and more!

Amy Dee got to Nashville and could not find what she wanted: A no-frills spot with a vintage vibe to listen to great country and blues music.  So she used all of her experience working in bars in New York City and all over the land to create Dee's Country Cocktail Lounge. She currently works with Daniel Walker, a great musician who is in charge of booking great acts for the venue, and what was a dream is now a reality. Dee's Lounge has an amazing vibe that is hard to pout into words...although we try our hardest in today's episode.

Lindsey Hein is the awesome host of "I'll Have Another with Lindsey Hein, a successful podcast about running. We talk about what it takes to make it as a podcaster, but her lessons are applicable to all creators, small businesses, and fans of good stories in general.

David Miller has decades of experience coaching small businesses, and he has seen a LOT. Today's episode is like sitting down with Coach...you will get decades of experience in under an hour....and you'll want to have a notepad! How do you make something the market wants? What exactly is luck? How can you maximize your chances of getting lucky? If you are serious about learning about how to run a small business...you won't want to miss this episode.  

What, exactly, is an HBIC? I didn't know until I met Stacy Ward Lattin, THE HBIC at Hopping Gnome. What are Stacy and her husband doing right in the increasingly exciting Wichita scene? What is Stacy's podcast about, and what else is she doing to inspire women entrepreneurs? All of this and more in today's show.

How did a small cafe in a strip mall in Nashville become a mecca for songwriters? What happened that changed the fortunes of the Bluebird from barely surviving to thriving? (hint: it was a major TV show). Which major celebrities let their hair down and come hang out and trade songs here? All of this and more in today's episode!  

Julia Miller is a badass woman. Together with her partner Elbio, Julia is carrying forward the legacy of Delmark Records, an iconic Chicago label. What are the challenges of being a record label in the 21st century? What are Julia's plans to build upon the success of Delmark? All of this and more in today's episode.

What inspired Peter to start a fitness equipment business? What are the books that Peter reads and the actions that Peter takes to help him discover his own blind spots? How did Peter overcome a painful change in his business involving a family member? All of this and more in today's show.

What was Brian's journey to become a successful artist? How did he end up selling his pieces at Willie Nelson's ranch? How does Brian make sure he has something to offer to people with any level of budget? All of this and more in today's episode!

What makes Silas Pollitt want to uproot everything and move every few years? What are the differences between working at high-end restaurants and starting your own pizza restaurant in a town of 5,000 people in Northern Vermont? What is it about the restaurant industry that attracts "misfits, pirates, and marauders" who tend to struggle with mental health issues? All of this, jiu-jitsu, mushroom foraging, and more in today's episode.

Chicago Music Exchange has become an institution and a destination for guitar fans visiting The Windy City. How did CME get here? How is the store surviving and thriving in an era where more and more people are buying instruments online? What happens when an expensive guitar breaks? Who are the celebrities who frequent CME? Does CME really have a guitar in the store that is priced at over $250,000? Great stories and plenty of laughs in today's episode!

Wow! We recorded an episode in the same room where Etta James recorded At Last...a new high for the show! What is Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven Foundation? Why did the Rolling Stones record their iconic record 12 x 5 in this room? What kind of ghosts are in the building that housed Chess Records? All of this and more in today's episode!

I finally got to interview a food truck owner! And what a show it was...so much gold in this one. Why leave your well-paying job to start a food truck? What makes is worthwhile? What are pitfalls to watch for? This and more in today's episode.

Why was cutting part of his finger off a positive turning point for Patch Rubin? Why do Thom Yorke of Radiohead, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day and Gary Clark, Jr. love Wide Sky Guitars? This episode follows Patch's path to becoming a guitar maker....and we also touch upon the psychology of bouncing back from setbacks and keeping going as a core value.  

Have you ever wondered what you would do if you or your loved ones were harmed and needed your help? Would you be an asset or a liability? Justin Hurzeler and his partners started Atomic Legion to help regular people answer: "asset." When he is not going on SWAT calls or riding an ambulance as a first responder, Justin uses Atomic Legion as a vehicle to share his knowledge about trauma response, rappelling, firearms, self-defense, butchering of animals, and many other skills. What is the Vanguard? What kind of person attends Atomic Legion events? How has Justin seen people transform as they learn? All of this and more in today's episode.

We are excited to have Mike and Jordan back on the show! Two years ago, we sat down with the founders of GoodWood NOLA to talk about their growing shop and the way they are impacting the custom furniture design and fabrication space. What happened with their business in those two years? Why are they getting a bigger shop? What has gone right and wrong? Check out today's episode to learn more!

Jane and Bob went through a lot to open their high-end wine and spirits shop just steps from Frenchmen St. in New Orleans. What happened that almost derailed their opening? What amazing musicians have played the stories Steinway piano in their home? All of this and more in today's episode.

Josh used his marketing chops to grow his family's HVAC business into a multi-million dollar operation. How did he do it? How did he use reviews to power his growth? Josh teaches you all of his secrets and shares his stories from the front line of small business marketing in today's episode.

Nic and Diane Atwood are serious about real estate in Austin. They work closely with their clients and they help people find special opportunities and off-market properties. They are also awesome people, and connect the community through a weekly open mic they host in South Austin. Which major artists launched their career at the Irie Bean open mic? What crazy transaction stories do Nic and Diane have to share? All of this and more in today's episode.

Matt Richards takes old wooden radios from the early 20th century and turns them into guitar amplifiers. We sat down with Matt at a special time in his journey....he is making the leap to Square Amps being his full-time pursuit. What is it like to source old radios? How does an introvert look at self-promotion? Who are some of the artists who have played Square Amps? All of this and more on today's episode.

SouthPop is an Austin institution! The South Austin Museum of Popular Culture is a funky, colorful, and amazing non-profit. Leea Mechling and her team serve as keepers of the torch for the history of popular culture in Austin, a city with a rich trove of stories, characters, songs, and art. What is it like to run a non-profit? What happens when the pipes break? What crazy stories has Leea been witness to? All of this and more in today's episode.

Noel Escobar is a craftsman and bootmaker in Austin, Texas. He was born into the trade in South Texas, and has established himself as a presence in Austin for decades. Why do celebrities and everyday people from all over the world visit Noel to have custom boots made by him? What does Noel do to foster community? What kinds of events does he host? All of this and more in today's episode.

What a special episode! Colorado whiskey, great conversation, and an original song at the end. Th podcast itself was fantastic, and talked about dealing with the psychology of the blank page, getting out of our own way, and how to create (and complete) things/projects from scratch. Make sure you stick around until the end...Nick will put goosebumps on your arms and a knot in your throat with his original song "Señorita."

Grant and Karen are living the dream. And they also have their struggles, like all of us.  In this episode, they share their story of how they became an in-demand guitar pedal company. From Grant's days as a touring drummer, to Karen's visual design skills, to the way they use social media and Google Analytics to grow their business. They also have some cool music stories and mighty challenges that they have overcome in their journey. This is a very inspirational episode...Grant nor Karen knew anything about how to make guitar pedals when they started...now they have a thriving business!

Brett and his brother just won't give up. When their original idea for a drink had to be shelved because of a prohibitive required volume, they came up with another concept and successfully launched Moontower Matcha. We talk about matcha tea, the ins and outs of starting a beverage company, how to find distributors, and we also dive into how to connect with social media influencers to promote your brand. Lots of good tactics in this one!

Casey Carroll is really, really good at facebook ads. And it can be a complicated, overwhelming world. In this episode, we dissect how to figure out what is important for you to get started with Facebook ads for your small business. By the end of the episode, you will have a six-step guide that you can follow to tackle this seemingly daunting task. You are good at learning things...learning this will transform your business!

Mercer is the man! You'll be really impressed by his story of constant reinvention and learning, but that's not all. Mercer will help you understand how to start demystifying online marketing, so you can start really making your marketing work for you. We had a fun talk, but more importantly, I learned a lot, and so will you :)

Tara Dawn Chapman went from being a CIA agent to cold-emailing a bee farm. The email included her squat and deadlift numbers (beekeeping is hard work!). The rest, as they say, is history. Tara launched Two Hives Honey by putting hives in people's backyards. She then partnered with the hosts by harvesting the honey while teaching them beekeeping. Always wanted to know about bees? Are you interested in a badass female entrepreneur making her vision happen? Tune in!

Today's episode is nothing short of magical. I sat down with Daniel Whittington, the new Chancellor of The Wizard Academy. We talk storytelling, business, and what it means to run a business school that tackles business from the right side of the brain. What is The Tower? Why are there statues of Don Quixote everywhere? What exactly are the Magical Worlds of Communication? All of this and more in today's episode. 

Mick Whitcomb takes old objects like typewriters and scales and makes funky awesome light fixtures out of them. His wife Paige makes beautiful tintype photography. Mick and Paige spend 300 days on the road with their dog, going to different art shows, setting up their booth, and making a living. They are based out of Springfield, Missouri, but their customers are nationwide. This is a fascinating story, and a business model that I had not seen yet. We cover what it's like to be a traveling artist, how to get accepted into art shows, and what it's like to travel and work with your spouse. Don't miss this episode...it's packed to the brim with unique stories!  

Film cameras? Who shoots film cameras? It turns out an increasing number of people are becoming interested in film as an art medium and as a way to slow down an appreciate photography. Jeremiah Flynn talks about his store where he sells all kinds of film cameras and supplies, from the common to the exotic. We also discuss how he does tintype (or wet plate collodion) photography as a way to supplement his income and keep the business going. Don't miss the part near the end where we discuss how people can create content and lessons that can provide them with a passive income stream.

What would happen to your guitar if it got run over by a truck? Nothing, as long as it was in Calton case. Robert Steel tells us exactly what happened and what the guitar and the case looked like after it was all said and done. Robert is awesome, and he tells a lot of stories, from rock and roll celebrity stories to what it's like to manufacture in the US in the 21st Century. Don't miss this episode!

Paul Jarvis just wrote a book called "Company of One" and sent me a copy. I read it cover to cover and found it really compelling, so we hosted him on the show.  Paul talks about a different kind of business philosophy, where more is not always better.  How do you build a Company of One to fit your lifestyle and goals? Why and how should you resist the envy that comes when you see others constantly growing their business? This and more in today's episode!

Kara is amazing. Do you want to learn how you can take your art and turn it into a business that makes $100k annually within one year? Kara has the blueprint! She is also writing a book about it, and we get a bit of a preview. Kara has a successful ceramics business in Austin, Texas, but this episode is about so much more than that....we cover art, business, manifesting your outcomes, the power of positive thought and intention (backed by consistent action) and more! Unmissable episode if you are looking to take the leap on your own in 2019 and beyond.    

Did Bill Murray really climb through the window of Willie Nelson's chapel during Luck Reunion? This is the 100th episode of Small Business War Stories, and this is the perfect way to celebrate, with an episode recorded at Willie Nelson's ranch Matt Bizer, Ellee Fletcher (Willie's grandniece) and I talked about the music business, Willie and his family, how artists make money in the 21st Century, and how Luck Reunion is creating a new kind of music and content company. We also talk about community and the role that music and podcasts have in bringing people together. Last but not least, we get all kinds of funny stories about the cool, inspiring, and bizarre things that have happened at Luck Reunion Thank you for listening to Small Business War Stories...here's to the next 100!

Jeffrey Stuffings left his job as an attorney to make farmhouse ales, a specialty form of beer in the Texas Hill Country right outside of Austin. He shared the formation story of his iconic brewery, and gave some amazing business tips and ideas, such as how to really unleash your mind with just a piece of paper, a pen, and a cup of coffee. This is a great episode with lots of stories and wisdom from the front lines of starting a business.

Barry Moltz has started three companies, written six books, and done innumerable articles and radio shows on small business. It's fair to say he has learned a thing or two about how to help small businesses! Today we discuss the main 5 reasons why businesses get stuck, and how to address each one. We also talk about various aspects of starting and running a business, including mental health, reading financials, and how to keep it all together as well as possible. This is an episode not to miss!

Two badass designer women got together in Austin, Texas to create Double Barrel Design. Megan Willin and Chelsea Scharbach merged their skills to create a firm that does space design (think 3D and architectural interior design) with 2D graphic design. Their work is awesome...and so is their story!

Wow...I got to sit down with Ryan Deiss! Ryan is one of my personal influences and one of the foremost digital marketing experts in the world.  We talk about how to build your brand as a comic book or movie  character, and how that builds the foundation for everything you communicate to your customers. Then we go into specific tactics to increase your conversion from prospect to new customer. We recorded at the Wizard Academy in the Texas Hill Country outside of Austin. Don't miss this episode with one of the top minds in digital marketing.