The Small Business Surgeon

Small Business Surgeon Podcast, Episode 293 | Cliff Bleszinski, The Genius Behind Gears of War talks Comedy, and Creative Entrepreneurship On this week's episode, we learn about the extraordinary life and career of Cliff Bleszinski, the mastermind behind legendary video games like Gears of War and Unreal Tournament. Cliff shares his journey from being "Nintendo Boy" in middle school to becoming one of the most influential figures in the gaming industry. Cliff breaks down his thoughts on creativity, leadership, and navigating the challenges of building and managing a team in high-stakes industries. He opens up about his newer ventures beyond gaming, including producing Broadway shows, co-owning restaurants, and even testing his skills in stand-up comedy. Cliff also talks about the highs and lows of his career, the importance of chasing your passions, and how life is about creating your own story. If you're a gamer, entrepreneur, or someone looking to get inspired, this episode is packed with humor, insights, and actionable advice.

Join us as we sit down with Kenny Graves, the program director of Willie 98.7 FM and host of The Second Cup Morning Show. Kenny takes us on an inspiring journey from his humble beginnings in Paris, Texas, to his celebrated career in radio, earning the coveted Radio Personality of the Year award. Along the way, he shares the secrets to staying resilient in a changing industry, the beauty of Texas country music, and the power of following your passion.Tune in to hear Kenny's take on the evolution of radio, his favorite interviews, and his advice for anyone chasing their dreams. Whether you're a music lover, an aspiring DJ, or simply looking for motivation, this episode is packed with stories, insights, and actionable wisdom.

Small Business Surgeon Podcast | At home permaculture with Matthew Britt Join me on this weeks episode of the Small Business Surgeon Podcast as we explore the re-emerging world of permaculture with Matthew Britt, the head of sales and strategic partnerships at Food Forest Abundance. We learn about Matthew's work in sustainable food systems and discover how embracing nature's diversity can lead to a more resilient and abundant future. Matthew shares his entrepreneurial journey, the principles of permaculture, and how individuals and communities can thrive by aligning with nature's inherent wisdom. Learn more about Food Forest Abundance: foodforestabundance.com

Join me as I talk to author of the new book "Education is Freedom" former 711 and Blockbuster CEO James. W. Keyes. In this episode, Jim shares: His Journey from McDonald's to Corporate Leadership: Discover how flipping burgers sparked a career in high-level business management. Overcoming Corporate Challenges: Learn about the education and strategies Jim used to navigate through economic crises and industry shifts. The Importance of Adaptability: Insights on how embracing change and continuous learning propelled his career forward. Lessons from Blockbuster's Fall: An inside look at what happened when technology and market dynamics shifted. Educational Insights: Jim discusses his book "Education is Freedom," explaining why learning is key to success and freedom in both business and life. Don't miss out on these leadership lessons from one of the most experienced business leaders of our time. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a student of business, or someone looking to make a change in their career, this episode is packed with actionable insights. If you're inspired to delve deeper into Jim's wisdom, order his book and get a chance for a signed copy jameswkeys.com for more information. Connect with Me: Website: https://smallbusinesssurgeon.com If you're ready to grow your business while staying mentally sharp, let's chat! Check out The Clinic for the support and accountability you need to thrive in both business and life. Learn more at https://followsam.live/

Entrepreneur Podcast | From Corporate to E-comm Giant: Neil Twa and Digital Marketing | Small Business Surgeon In this week's Small Business Surgeon Podcast, we delve deep into the world of digital marketing with Neil Twa, the powerhouse CEO of Voltage Digital Marketing. With over 15 years in the industry, Neil shares his evolution from traditional media buying to becoming a leader in e-commerce and brand building.Key Takeaways:The importance of understanding your market and product offerings before diving into digital marketing.How to use data-driven approaches to select and launch products effectively.The significance of customer lifetime value (CLTV) and how to cultivate it for sustained business growth.Guest & Host:Neil Twa: Founder & CEO of Voltage Digital Marketing, best-selling author, and digital marketing strategist.Samuel Smith: Your host, guiding you through the intricacies of small business success.

In Episode 288 of The Small Business Surgeon, Samuel sits down with Kelly Gordon, founder of Dapper Codes a full-service agency specializing in business transformation. Kelly dives deep into her proprietary Triangulation Method and shares the secrets to building lasting business relationships and mastering your core message. Learn how Kelly has remained a consistent force in the business world since 2007 and how understanding your ideal client can transform your results. Don't miss this insightful conversation packed with strategies for entrepreneurs at all stages.

In this episode of The Small Business Surgeon podcast, I sit down with Brian Manning, one of the top mortgage originators in the country. With over 4,000 closed loans and more than 25 years of experience, Brian shares invaluable lessons about entrepreneurship, building a business, and navigating challenges. From his humble beginnings selling candy at school to becoming a leading expert in the mortgage industry, Brian's journey offers powerful insights for entrepreneurs at every stage.

In this episode of Friday Fire, I dive into the often-overlooked connection between mental health and business success. If you're an entrepreneur, you know the grind can take a toll on your well-being. But what if I told you that mastering your mental health is one of the most powerful ways to grow your business? We'll discuss how mental clarity boosts productivity, decision-making, and creativity. Plus, I'll share practical strategies you can implement today to maintain balance while scaling your business.Key Takeaways:Why mental health is directly linked to business growth.How burnout and stress can sabotage your decision-making and productivity.Practical tips to manage mental health while building your business, including setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and scheduling breaks.The importance of creating mental space for clear-headed business decisions.Who Is This Episode For?:Entrepreneurs struggling with burnout or overwhelm.Small business owners looking for sustainable strategies to balance growth and mental well-being.Anyone wanting to improve productivity and decision-making through better mental health practices.Resources Mentioned:The Clinic | Business Builders - free group on http://skool.com/business-builders/about Support structure for mental health and business growth.[Virtual Assistant Services from Sphere Rocket] https://smallbusinesssurgeon.net/sphere-rocket: How delegation can free up mental space.Connect with Me:Website: https://smallbusinesssurgeon.comIf you're ready to grow your business while staying mentally sharp, let's chat! Check out The Clinic for the support and accountability you need to thrive in both business and life. Learn more at https://followsam.live/

In this episode of The Small Business Surgeon Podcast, I'm joined by the inspiring Nathalie Herrey, a motivational speaker, corporate consultant, and life coach. With over 25 years of experience and as the founder of the Pick Up Your Crown movement, Nathalie shares her journey from a family of Olympians and entrepreneurs to helping others build resilience, self-belief, and a growth mindset.We explore the importance of gratitude, setting ridiculously high goals, and taking control of your personal transformation. Tune in to discover how you can unleash your potential and break through your personal and professional barriers.

In this episode of The Small Business Surgeon, I'm back with a Friday Fire after a long break! I share what I've been up to—competing on The Blox, launching a skincare brand, and expanding my business. I dive into the crucial lesson that "nothing works unless you do," breaking down what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur. Tune in to learn how to get out of your own way, find your market, and make things happen.Looking to level up your business game? Join The Clinic on Skool, where you'll connect with other driven entrepreneurs, access valuable resources, and gain the insights you need to succeed. Join us today at followsam.live and start building your best business!

Welcome back to Season 3 of The Small Business Surgeon Podcast! We're excited to kick off this season with a powerful conversation featuring executive coach Steve McReady. In this episode, Steve shares his journey from IT to psychotherapy and how he helps clients find clarity, build confidence, and cultivate courage.We dive deep into the importance of emotional resilience, the value of finding your niche, and the impact of small, consistent habits on long-term success. Steve's unique approach to helping entrepreneurs and professionals unlock their true potential is filled with actionable insights you won't want to miss!In this episode, we discuss:How to overcome mental barriers and gain clarityBuilding emotional resilience as an entrepreneurThe benefits of niching down and focusing on your strengthsCreating daily habits that foster long-term success

Don't get so focused on doing the things you love as a technician that you lose sight of the critical business operations! Sam shares his thoughts on the trap that technicians fall into on the way to building their own businesses.

Welcome to this week's episode of The Small Business Surgeon Podcast.This week's guest is someone that is right down my street with a lot of the things I have been discovering recently so I am very excited to bring her on. She is an empowerment strategist who helps conscious, spiritual, truth-seekers remove the emotional blocks to success and she is the host of "The Spirit, Purpose and Energy" podcast. Let's welcome JJ Flizanes.Find her online on her website to see her work and listen to her podcast.FollowSam.Live

Welcome back to Friday Fire!Today's episode is about how important routine is to setting and achieving your goals. I discuss how to start with a list of priorities and stack your day to successfully reach your desires. Monday, we interview JJ Flizanes.FollowSam.Live

Welcome to this week's episode of The Small Business Surgeon Podcast where we are unpacking a very special treat.Today's guest is a former US Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expert, real estate investor, business owner, ultra-endurance athlete and host of "The Point of Impact" podcast. Please welcome Aaron Hale.Find him online at Extra Ordinary Delights and EOD Fudge on all major platforms @eodconfectionsFollowSam.Live

Welcome back to Friday Fire!Today's episode is about giving yourself permission to make a change in your life, pivot from where you are to who you are supposed to be, the best version of yourself.Monday, we interview Veteran Aaron Hale from EOD Fudge.FollowSam.Live

Welcome to the Small Business Surgeon and today we want to touch a bit on Marketing, the "secret sauce that makes these online businesses run". Today's guest is the guy that runs MY ads, an encyclopedia of knowledge and the founder of Mayhem Brands, Wayne Ledoux. You can find him at MayhemDigitalMedia.com, @MrMayhemOfficial on TikTok and @mayhemdigitalofficial on Instagram. FollowSam.Live

Welcome back to Friday Fire! Today's episode is about the exciting release of The Clinic - The Next 90 Days - Sort Your F*cking Life Out and The Lounge. Monday, we interview Wayne Ledoux from Mayhem Digital. FollowSam.Live

We are joined by one of the Judges from Season 10 of The Blox, Owner of K-9 Lifeline and Master of all things Dog Training.Let's welcome Heather Beck!You can find her on Facebook or Instagram or TikTok and her Website.Follow Sam!Small Business Surgeon - Join The Clinic | Facebook

We are joined by the creator of "The Productivity Plus Plan" and host of "The CEO Amplify" Podcast who helps visionary CEOs on leveraging their Time, Talent and Tactics for success.Let's welcome a Certified Director of Operations, Donna Dube.You can find her on The CEO Amplify Podcast or her website where you can download the CEO Power Hour Playbook — CEO Amplify.Follow Sam!Small Business Surgeon - Join The Clinic | Facebook

This was one of the all time most downloaded/listened to episodes of Friday Fire that we have ever done! In light of something special we have been developing for the past 6 months that is getting ready to release, I felt this oldie but a goodie from February 2021 would serve as a relevant blast from the past! Listen now.Follow Sam!Small Business Surgeon - Join The Clinic | Facebook

We are joined by a contestant from Season 12 of the reality competition show, The Blox and the owner of the entertainment/ DJ solutions company, Royal Beats.Let's welcome Stephanie Rivkin, aka DJ Stardust.You can find her on the website, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.Follow Sam!Small Business Surgeon - Join The Clinic | Facebook

We are joined by a certified Life Coach who specializes in working with neurodivergent families; as well as a contestant who appeared on the entrepreneural reality competition show, "The Blox", Season 11. Let's welcome Theresa Minnoch. You can find her on the website, Facebook or on any major podcast platform with her podcast: "The Neuro Tribe". Follow Sam!Small Business Surgeon - Join The Clinic | Facebook

Welcome back to Friday Fire! Today's episode is about the unique opportunity someone has when they find themselves at a turning point in their life, and how to take advantage of this moment to pivot and make life changing decisions and manifest their ideal future. Monday, we interview Theresa Minnoch.Follow Sam!Small Business Surgeon - Join The Clinic | Facebook

We are joined by the founder of Oppuous, a company that navigates business technology, so you don't have to; as well as a friend who appeared on the Entrepreneural reality competition show, "The Blox", Season 7. Let's welcome Dante White. You can find him on the website or Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.Follow Sam!Small Business Surgeon - Join The Clinic | Facebook

Welcome back to Friday Fire! Today's episode is about learning to "Not Give a F*ck" in your daily life and how it can truly help you grow in your personal and business life. Monday, we interview Dante White.Follow Sam!Small Business Surgeon - Join The Clinic | Facebook

We are joined by the founder of Whiskermen, a premium beard and mustache line; host of the "Beards and Business" Podcast; as well as a friend who appeared on the entrepreneural reality competition show, "The Blox". Let's welcome John Mateki. You can find him on Facebook or his Website.Follow Sam!Small Business Surgeon - Join The Clinic | Facebook

Welcome back to Friday Fire! Today's episode is about what happens on The Bad Days, how to stop the Bad Moments from dominoing into whole Bad Days and instead gain insight on how to grow with the knowledge that Bad Days just consist of Unsolved Problems.Next week, we have an interview with John Mateki.#smallbusinesssurgeon #smallbusiness #smallbiz #fridayfire #samuelsmith #motivationFollow Sam!Small Business Surgeon - Join The Clinic | Facebook

We are joined by the CEO and Head of Creativity at Perception Content Media, he is a leader in the digital marketing space, and also a musician with Fall of Envy and 364, let's welcome Michael T. Baker. You can find him on LinkedIn or his Website. Follow Sam!Small Business Surgeon - Join The Clinic | Facebook

It is time for Friday Fire! Time for some thinking to get you through the weekend. Today's reflection is on learnings from the book The Greatest Secret and how Our Thoughts Create Our Feelings. Next week, interview with Michael Baker. #smallbusinesssurgeon #smallbusiness #smallbiz #fridayfire #samuelsmithFollow Sam!Small Business Surgeon - Join The Clinic | Facebook

Hey Guys, what's up and welcome to this week's episode of The Small Business Surgeon Podcast. I am really excited to bring you today's guest This is a run-back, I was fortunate enough to be a guest on her podcast. She is the creator of The Effortless Life and host of the Anti-Fragile Entrepreneurship Podcast. Please welcome Courtney Elmer. You can find her on Instagram or her Website

Hey Guys, what's up and welcome back to The Small Business Surgeon Podcast. I am your host, Samuel Smith, and boy am I glad to be back!After 260 Episodes, we had taken a 3-month break, and I we want to catch you up with what we've been up to, and what we have in store for 2024.Next week, interview with Courtney Elmer.Follow Sam!Small Business Surgeon - Join The Clinic | Facebook

Hey guys. I am really excited today to introduce our guest, Mr. Ryan Englin. He's the CEO of Call Matters, the creator of the Call Fit Hiring System, the host of the Talent Tackle podcast, and most recently a very soon to be published author of the I am assuming it's going to be a hot bestseller, Higher, better people faster. Today he will tell us how he got involved in this specific business and how this helped him succeed to where he is today.

Hey guys today is going to be quite a long episode. This is by far the longest Friday Fire I have ever recorded, but I just felt like it was something I had to get off my chest and talk to you guys about. I never bulk record my Friday Fire episodes because I like to talk about what lessons I have learned throughout the week, that way it feels much more raw and real with you guys. I hope you enjoy today's episode and get something great out of it.

Hey guys today I will discuss the importance of perseverance and resilience in entrepreneurship.I want to emphasize that the internet can create a false perception of success, and highlight the need to remember that what people share online is often carefully curated. I encourage entrepreneurs to embrace failure as a learning experience and to keep pushing forward.

Hey guys, today's guest is a superstar from across the pond. He is a guy that buys and sells companies, a business broker, and he has started to turn his attention towards building a group for children's education called the Spectacular Group. Please welcome, Adrian Knight.You can find Adrian on Instagram and his website,

Hey guys today I want to talk to you guys about the myth of overnight success and the importance of having a long-term vision as an entrepreneur. I will emphasize the need to recognize when to stay consistent in your business endeavors and when to pivot. I strongly encourage entrepreneurs not to quit but to be willing to make necessary adjustments in their business journeys.

Hey guys today I am joined by the owner of Agency Bell, an industry leading agency that specializes in client acquisition for law firms. This gentleman was one of the judges on season 11 of the BLOCK TV show. Please welcome Jordan Bell. Today he will talk to us about how he runs his digital advertising agency and his journey about to how he got to where he is today.You can find Jordan on Facebook or his website.

Hey guys today I want to talk about his role in improving businesses. I discuss the importance of reflecting on past experiences and failures to gain wisdom. I also emphasize the need to embrace failure and resilience, and advice listeners to persist in their goals even when obstacles arise.

Hey guys today I want to talk to you guys about the concept of manifesting and how it applies to both life and business. I want to emphasize the importance of knowing what you want and visualizing your ideal self and life. I will talk about my experiences manifesting success in various aspects of life, such as academics and business.

Welcome to this week's episode of the Small Business Session podcast, and guys, I am really excited today to bring you today's guest. Might be a little bit of a fanboy. We are joined by a world renowned fitness expert. He's a model, an actor, a super hero, an author, a TV host, and one of the top online trainers in existence. Today he is going to be talking to us about how he got to where he is today & will give us some healthy tips to be the best version of us.

Hey guys today's guest is a special treat for us all. He is the author of the best selling book The Power to Speak Naked, and has dedicated himself to a life of teaching a mastery of all things public speaking. Pleas welcome to the show, Tyler Foley. Today he talks to us about how to conquer the stage & the struggles he has gone through to be successful today.

Hey guys so today is my 43rd birthday and I want to do a special episode for all of you. I want to talk about all the lessons I have learned throughout my life and give you guys some advice so that you can learn from my mistakes. I will talk about financial management, personal relationships, focusing on opportunities, and many other things I have learned throughout the years.

Hey guys, this week we have got a really, really interesting topic. We are being joined by a retired U.S. Air Force officer who has helped manage and attract over $82 billion in government contracts. He helps businesses navigate the journey of bidding on and winning these contracts using the DOD Contracts Academy that he has built and set up. Please welcome to the show, Rick Howard. You can listen to his podcast here.

Hey guys today I want to talk to you guys about the story of the Two Wolves that live inside of us. Some of you have probably heard me talk about this before, but I want to talk about how it applies to us as entrepreneurs & how we can control them. Whichever wolf you decide to feed is the one that will get big & strong, so we got to make sure we are feeding the correct wolf.

Hey guys today I want to talk to you guys about the addiction of technology & games & how that also reflects on the entrepreneur world. We all have a desire to win, that's why it is so hard for us to stay away from video games or social media, but I will talk to you guys about why it is important to put down the controller and pay attention to your life.

Hey guys today I want to talk to you guys about my progress with the 90 day challenge I have been doing. Today marks the 60th day & I want to talk to you guys about the changes I have seen & the impact this challenge has had in my life. The power of writing things down is incredibly amazing & I really encourage all of you to try this 90 day trial.

Hey guys today we are in the presence of a real life superstar, somebody I look up to as an industry leader. Today's guest has built five multi-million dollar businesses and has over $2 billion in sales revenues. But not only that, he's the bestselling author of the book Be the One and the host of the Be the One live event, as well as a multitude of other talents. Please welcome to the show, Justin Prince.

Guys, today's guest is the founder of Lane Hero, an app that is shaking up the trucking and transportation industry. He's a father, kick ass doubt and a self-confessed hemp foods delivery guy, which I'm sure we're going to get into here very soon. Please welcome to the show, my friend, Josh Perry.You can find Josh on Facebook & his website here.

Hey guys today I want to talk to you guys about embracing failure. I believe that failure is a common and critical part of the entrepreneurial journey. I will share my personal experience of a significant financial loss I faced early in my career and how I learned that failures and losses are inevitable. I encourage entrepreneurs to turn failures into lessons and investments

Hey guys, today we are about to chop it up with one of my favorite former guests. Here's the host of The Eric Allen Show. And since he came on, he has achieved a whole lot of his goals, as well as becoming a John Maxwell certified speaker. Please welcome, Erik Allen. Today we will see how much he has grown since our last interview,