First, build—then, expand. Most small business owners dream that their business will become successful enough for them to open another location; that dream came true for Candle Pour owners Misty and Dennis Akers. The Tampa, Florida couple kicked off their expansion plans months before the COVID-19 pandemic, which was just the first of a slew of unexpected obstacles. Listen in to learn how you can plan for challenges as you pursue your expansion goals.

The Candle Pour Previous Episodes : Making Something Memorable Hire Slow, Fire Fast Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound

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In this episode we hear Jason Feifer, host of Problem Solvers, share how he handled an angry customer’s email. Behind the Review host Emily digs into how responding to online reviews in a public forum is different, but the approach of engaging customers online is impactful. A recent survey commissioned by Yelp found that responding to reviews increases trust in a business and 87% of consumers say they look past critical reviews when a business responds. Listen to learn the best way.

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In this episode, Emily Washcovick, Yelp’s Small Business Expert, takes a look at the whys and hows of reviewing from the reviewer’s perspective. Some of the best advice comes not from business owners, but the customers themselves.

Behind the Reviewers Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/

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Class-goers at Chrome Cycle Studio in California get a tough spin workout. But they keep coming back thanks to the welcoming culture. Ninette opened Chrome Cycle after years of working as a lawyer in the corporate world. Spin kept her going during a difficult time in her life, so she is passionate about providing well-run classes for her customers today. With a team of instructors who focus on personalized experiences, Chrome Cycle has built a community of loyal customers.

Chrome Cycle Studio Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound

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Special announcement! Our annual Franchise 500 list is out, providing you with the best opportunities to buy a business. Which is right for you? Entrepreneur magazine Jason Feifer explains what goes into the list, and how it can benefit you. Learn more at entrepreneur.com/franchise500

Boite de Fleurs in Phoenix, Arizona, is the perfect example of why small businesses are so important to communities. Business owner Tina keeps the same passion for her work and level of commitment to customer service as she did five years ago when she started the flower shop in her garage. In this episode, hear how Tina overcame the pandemic hitting right as she opened her store and how she uses social media to draw in her clientele.

Boite de Fleurs Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound

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Chef Jason Helfer runs his family restaurant, Peasant Village, much the way his father did, and his father, and his father before him. In fact, at least one member of the Helfer family has been in the food business for hundreds of years, and those traditional family recipes anchor a unique, upscale dining experience in San Angelo, Texas. They’ve also created an employee culture that shines through in the elevated customer service they provide.

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Cate Luzio spent two decades as a corporate banker—in 2018, she pivoted. With the goal of supporting women in their career journeys, Cate founded Luminary, a NYC-based professional networking space. Emily chats with Cate about her experience self-funding Luminary and how the community-centered business weathered the pandemic. Then, Luminary member and fellowship winner Gwen Beloti speaks to the close-knit community’s benefits. Listen in to learn how you can expand your business and network.

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Ash Cordona never thought he’d own a donut shop, after years in trucking and transportation, but when an opportunity to buy Donutopia fell into their laps, he and his wife Sophea jumped at the chance to own a small business. They’ve turned it into one of the most popular donut shops in San Angelo, Texas.

Donutopia Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound

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Technology can be a tricky thing for a small business. Used correctly, it can increase revenue and streamline operations. But bad technology can be devastating to the customer experience and a business’s bottom line. Jeremy Julian, host of the Restaurant Tech Guys podcast, says technology should always serve a purpose, be adaptable, and increase the ease of your customer experience, even if the tech isn’t customer facing.

Restaurant Technology Guys Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound

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