Most people have no idea their windshield is a structural part of their vehicle — until someone like Gary Duncan explains it. In this episode of Behind the Small Business, host Kevin Dandino talks with Gary Duncan, owner of The Chip Repair Man and a 38-year veteran of the auto glass industry.

A small business owner since 2004, Gary built Rocky Mountain Auto Glass, ran a shop in small-town Missouri, and now serves the Denver metro and Highlands Ranch with mobile chip and crack repair. He shares the real story of leaving a stable management job, betting on himself, and prioritizing family and personal service along the way.

In this episode:

• Why a $150 chip repair beats a $700–$2,000 windshield replacement on modern camera-equipped glass

• How COVID unexpectedly made his business busier than ever

• Why staying face-to-face with customers beats hiding in the office

• The hard truth about an unregulated industry full of unqualified technicians

• Where AI fits into the future of small business — even for the non-techie owner

• A tornado, "basement bargain" insurance, and why cutting corners costs you when it matters most

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned owner, or just someone with a crack you've been ignoring, Gary's decades of hard-earned wisdom deliver real, practical takeaways.

Connect with Gary — The Chip Repair Man (Highlands Ranch & Denver metro mobile service): 📞 303-901-8226 | Facebook: The Chip Repair Man

Are you a small business owner? This is an open invitation to share your story on the podcast — free publicity, no strings attached. Reach out via Facebook or YouTube to be featured on a future episode.

This episode is brought to you by Centennial State Insurance Agency. For a personal or business insurance quote with the right coverage and no overpaying, call 📞 303-838-0554.

Since COVID, business and everyday life have leaned hard into tech and online communication. That shift has opened a ton of doors for small business owners, but it also makes it easy to forget how powerful real, in-person connection can be for building trust, community, and long-term customers.

In this episode of “Behind the Small Business,” Kevin sits down with Brian Prescott, owner of Colorado Real Estate Coalition, to talk about how he blends technology, social media, and good old-fashioned face-to-face relationships to grow his business. Brian has no problem using digital tools to get attention, but he’s very intentional about showing up in person, shaking hands, and being present in his community—and he shares how that mindset has changed his business.

If you’re a long-time small business owner or just starting to dream about launching your own thing, this conversation is full of practical lessons, mindset shifts, and real-world examples you can use right away. Plug in, take some notes, and see how you can use both tech and in-person connection to move your business forward.

We’ve had the pleasure of sharing incredible stories from inspiring entrepreneurs on the Behind the Small Business Podcast, and Amber from Daddy’s Homemade Syrup is no exception!

Amber believes there’s nothing “small” about the power of a small business. Every entrepreneur has the ability to make a big, positive impact on their community — and she’s setting a remarkable example.

Curious how she’s doing it? Tune in to hear her story and discover the sweet mission behind Daddy’s Homemade Syrup!

In this episode of Behind the Small Business Podcast, Kevin sits down with Bob and Joe from Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center — an organization dedicated to empowering veterans through career, wellness, and entrepreneurship support.

Transitioning from military to civilian life comes with unique challenges, and Mt. Carmel is there to help veterans find purpose and success in their next chapter. From business mentorship and startup guidance to networking opportunities and community resources, their programs are built to help veterans turn their ideas into thriving small businesses.

Tune in to hear inspiring stories, valuable insights, and practical advice for veterans ready to take charge of their future. If you're a veteran with a dream of entrepreneurship, connect with Mt. Carmel Veteran Service Center today and set yourself up for success!

#veterans #smallbusiness #businesspodcast

In this episode of Behind the Small Business Podcast, Kevin sits down with Nova, media personality and co-owner of Brit Food Group in Colorado Springs.

Nova shares his journey as an entrepreneur, what he’s learned from building a business in a competitive market, and why staying connected to people is one of the most important parts of long-term success. This conversation dives into mindset, leadership, and practical lessons that small business owners can apply right away.

If you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or local business owner looking for real-world insight and inspiration, this episode delivers both.

1. Nova’s story and path to co-owning Brit Food Group
2. Key lessons from running and growing a small business
3. Why authentic community relationships matter in business
4. Practical takeaways for entrepreneurs and business owners

Behind the Small Business Podcast features real conversations with business owners, founders, and leaders sharing what it really takes to build and sustain a successful business.

There’s a big difference between customers and clients and understanding it can be the key to long-term business success.

In this episode of Behind the Small Business, Kevin sits down with Nate, owner of Practical Metals, to break down how a customer-first mindset can evolve into lasting client relationships. Nate shares how focusing on real needs, not just transactions, has helped grow a sustainable business.

He also dives into lessons learned during his time in the military and how that experience shaped the discipline, leadership, and foundation behind Practical Metals.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to strengthen client loyalty, this conversation offers practical insight you can put to work immediately.

#smallbusiness #businesspodcast

This week on Behind the Small Business, Ben — owner of Full Afterburner Calzones — brings the heat. From defining what truly makes a business to navigating obstacles with confidence, he shares real, hard-earned wisdom every entrepreneur can use.

Whether you’re new, experienced, or just dreaming up your first big idea, this episode serves up lessons as fresh as his calzones.

Transitioning from military to civilian life isn’t easy. For many veterans, leaving behind that tight-knit military family can lead to feelings of isolation and loss of purpose. That’s exactly why Nick founded Green Beret Racing — a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans reconnect, rebuild community, and find brotherhood beyond the battlefield.

In this video, Nick shares his personal journey, the mission behind Green Beret Racing, and how their events and programs are changing lives for veterans nationwide.

Watch to hear how Green Beret Racing is bringing veterans together through camaraderie, racing, and purpose.

Learn more or sign up for this year’s Green Beret Racing Networking Mixer:

🔗https://www.greenberetracing.org/annual-mixer

#Veterans #GreenBeretRacing #MilitaryTransition #VeteranSupport #Nonprofit #MilitaryCommunity

A school assignment that turned into a full-blown non-profit organization? That's exactly what happened with Veterans Exploration Therapy.

Listen in to Deke's story about his experiences transitioning out of the military and the struggles he overcame and how it led to the inspiration of this non-profit that is dedicated to helping bringing veterans back into a close-knit community that they lost after leaving the military.

Deke has an amazing story that will leave you feeling inspired to use your own life experiences in a way that brings positivity to your employees, customers and community!