Join us for an insightful conversation with Tom Gordon, the visionary founder and CEO of Slim Chickens, as he reveals the secrets behind transforming a single restaurant into a booming empire of nearly 290 locations. Discover how Tom's commitment to quality and variety has allowed Slim Chickens to stand out in the bustling fast-food industry. You'll learn how maintaining a strong connection with customers and fostering a dedicated team culture are at the heart of his business strategy.

Tom shares his entrepreneurial journey that took an unexpected turn into the restaurant world after a career in finance. Together with his high school friend Greg Smart, they embarked on a mission that would become a staple in Northwest Arkansas. Hear firsthand tales of perseverance, partnership, and the grit required to overcome the daunting challenges of starting and sustaining a successful business. From their first iconic location to the intricate balance of emotional and financial risks, Tom's story is a testament to the power of action and resilience.

We also explore the ambitious international expansion of Slim Chickens, where Tom discusses the nuances of entering foreign markets while staying true to a simple, high-quality product. Gain insights into the evolving nature of entrepreneurship, from bold risk-taking to cautious decision-making, and the importance of learning from both triumphs and setbacks. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners alike, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a beloved and thriving brand.

Remember the thrill of cruising in a souped-up 2010 Mustang or the nostalgia of a black Corvette? Join us for a journey through the exhilarating world of automotive memories and the unexpected perks of aging, like sharper distance vision after cataract surgery. With humor and nostalgia, we're sharing stories of driving adventures and a nod to the gator mccluskey move. We even reflect on our passion for car-related content, blending the joy of the past with the unpredictability of entrepreneurial life.

As we navigate the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, discover the art of business pivots and the challenges of aligning a team with the visionary's path. From recounting the roots of entrepreneurship to addressing the critical issue of burnout, our conversation highlights the resilience required to thrive amidst challenges. Personal anecdotes reveal the frustrations of modern life, like password overload, while we explore soothing escapes found in simple tasks such as yard work.

Finally, we focus on avoiding entrepreneurial burnout by maintaining engagement and passion. Learn strategies for handling micro-burnouts and the importance of staying active within your work. We also hint at our next guest, an impressive figure from a mature market, poised to bring fresh insights to our show. Stay connected with us for more engaging content, and don't forget to visit our website or LinkedIn page for updates and opportunities to contribute to future episodes.

When the roar of an engine echoes the thrum of ambition, you know you're in for an enthralling story. Nick Kilgore, alongside brother Chris, took his childhood knack for flipping cars and parlayed it into the bustling hub of Market Auto. At just 23, Nick reflects on the echoes of his grandfather's entrepreneurial spirit, revealing how passion and tenacity have fueled their journey from humble savings to steering a family legacy on the tarmac of the used car industry.

Our conversation takes a turn down the winding road of opportunity, examining the gears and sprockets of taking over a teetering dealership, infusing it with new life. Nick and I navigate the partnership dance, funding foxtrots, and the occasionally bumpy ride of intertwining personal spaces with business places. Listen closely as he shares tales of serendipitous connections, the undercurrent of readiness that runs through their venture, and the insight that every closed garage door might just be a gateway to a new alliance.

Finally, brace yourself for a candid look under the hood at the realities of entrepreneurship. From the relentless hustle of managing multiple operations to the balancing act of family and business during life's unforeseen red lights, Nick's narrative offers a roadmap of resilience. As the Kilgores shift gears towards the future, they're not just selling cars; they're driving home the essence of hard work, the importance of rock-solid legal frameworks, and the unyielding spirit of a family business. Buckle up for an episode that's more than just talk—it's a journey through the life of a car entrepreneur.

Ever wondered how a journey from a small-town car dealership in Hot Springs, Arkansas, could lead to a thriving career in the competitive world of retail and consumer packaged goods? Join us as we chat with Clay Bell, a seasoned entrepreneur who shares the invaluable lessons he learned from his father's relentless work ethic and his own experiences in sales. Clay's path from aspiring missionary to successful business owner is filled with twists, turns, and a lot of hustle, offering rich insights into the traits that drive entrepreneurial success.

Clay also reveals the secrets behind helping challenger brands carve out their niche in a market dominated by industry giants. From his early sales experience to becoming a partner in a leading retail consultancy, Clay's story is a testament to the power of innovative strategies and adaptability. We discuss the evolving retail landscape, the critical role of online success, and how influencer marketing has become a game-changer in securing shelf space in major retailers. If you're eager to understand how smaller brands can compete and win, this conversation is a treasure trove of wisdom.

Finally, we dive into the nitty-gritty of business operations, from maintaining shelf space with major retailers to identifying unmet consumer needs. Clay shares real-world success stories like Fit Butters, showcasing how spotting market opportunities can lead to extraordinary success. Learn about the chaos and rewards of entrepreneurship, the importance of building strong teams, and the exhilarating dynamics of startup environments. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers inspiring and practical insights that you won't want to miss!

What if building a strong company culture could transform your small business into a thriving community? Join us as we explore this idea with our special guest, JS Bull, my former partner at WhyteSpyder. Together, we share personal stories and actionable insights from our journey to intentionally cultivate a positive and cohesive work environment. You’ll hear firsthand accounts of how we built a vibrant company culture, from personally interviewing every candidate to ensuring value alignment and fostering a sense of community among our team members.

We dive into the nuances of leadership authenticity and hospitality, showing how even small gestures can impact workplace morale. Ever wondered how a high-end espresso machine or a well-timed barbecue can bring your team together? We’ve got you covered. We also highlight the importance of community engagement, whether it's sponsoring local charity events or creating team-building activities like Dungeons and Dragons nights. Learn how these efforts not only enhance company culture but also create lasting personal connections and a sense of belonging among employees.

Finally, we share some lighthearted moments, including the amusing tale behind naming a beloved beer. Our candid discussion offers practical tips for maintaining transparency, managing stress, and balancing the myriad of tasks that come with running a small business. Listen in and discover how investing in your company culture can lead to a more motivated, cohesive, and successful team.

Can you imagine transforming your team into a high-performance powerhouse? Join us as we uncover the secrets of building winning teams with insights from history and personal experiences. Our sharp-looking co-host, Eric Howerton, walks us through the evolution of entrepreneurship, from its roots in 1776 to its modern-day implications, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of entrepreneurial identity and its critical role in business growth.

Discover why hiring friends and family might be sabotaging your success and how setting clear goals can create a culture of accountability. Eric shares personal stories that highlight the importance of passion over credentials and the necessity of transparent team environments. We also delve into why growth and performance are paramount, and how employees must consistently improve their output to thrive in a high-performance culture.

Finally, learn how to spot exceptional talent in everyday situations and why you should never resort to counteroffers. We explore unconventional hiring strategies and the significance of aligning your team with your company's vision and mission. This episode is packed with actionable advice on managing employees, adapting to market changes, and maintaining the entrepreneurial spirit that drives innovation and success. Tune in for a comprehensive guide to building and managing high-performance teams while staying true to your vision.

Ever thought a urinal in your home could be a game changer? We kick off this episode of Big Talk About Small Business with some hilarious personal anecdotes about aging and unique home features that will leave you laughing out loud. But we quickly switch gears to tackle a serious and highly relevant topic for all small business owners: the strategic use of debt. Discover why debt isn't the villain it's often made out to be and how it can serve as a powerful driver of business growth. Learn how to foster a partnership mindset with your banker, understand the nuances of the banking system, and make smarter decisions about leveraging debt to boost your business's profitability.

Building strong relationships with business bankers can make or break your access to capital. We'll share our insights on why empathy and relationship-building with bankers, particularly those at local or regional banks, can be a game-changer for securing loans and financial support. If you've ever faced rejection from a bank, you'll find motivation in our discussion on alternative financing methods and the importance of understanding your banker's perspective. Lastly, we dive deep into optimizing your return on invested capital (ROIC). Through real-life examples and hypothetical scenarios, we'll show you how borrowing can significantly amplify your returns in both business and real estate ventures. Tune in to transform your understanding of debt and leverage it to propel your business to new heights!

Curious about how to thrive in a mature market? Join us as we sit down with Matt Lewis, the fourth-generation owner-manager of Lewis Automotive Group, who shares his secrets for business differentiation and success in a competitive industry. From prioritizing employee well-being to ensuring exceptional customer service, Matt reveals how a positive work environment can lead to long-term customer loyalty and business success. Discover how he manages to maintain a remarkably low turnover rate in an industry notorious for its high churn.

In this episode, we explore the long-term investment strategies that are key to sustaining profitability in businesses that sell large products. Matt explains why investing in high-end equipment is crucial for providing top-notch customer service and diagnostics. We also compare the strategic approaches of family-owned businesses with those of publicly traded companies, highlighting the benefits of prioritizing customer relationships over short-term profits. You'll gain insights into looking beyond immediate returns to foster enduring customer loyalty.

We also tackle the current challenges and future trends in the automotive industry, including navigating post-COVID market corrections and the shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles. Matt offers a transparent look at enhancing customer experiences through personalized service and competitive pricing, while addressing the pitfalls of traditional dealership tactics. Learn about the unique tax implications in Arkansas, the importance of a knowledgeable staff, and the significance of customer trust in a competitive market. This episode is packed with practical advice and real-world insights for business owners and automotive enthusiasts alike!

What if we told you that the constant stress and unpredictability of running a small business could be managed with real, actionable advice from those who've been through it? Learn how to tackle the most daunting tasks first and see why expensive success formulas are often just myths. We debunk the illusion that other businesses have it all figured out and provide you with the reassurance that there's no one-size-fits-all solution to entrepreneurial challenges.

Ever feel like you're a bulldozer, always pushing forward but frustrated when others don't pull their weight? Discover the art of relentless drive and the different types of effort required for success. From gentle nudges to major efforts, we explore how to navigate these dynamics and share a humorous anecdote from a candlepin bowling outing to highlight the importance of humor amidst the hustle. Make better decisions and overcome the pitfalls of inaction with practical advice rooted in real experiences.

Prepare for the rollercoaster of entrepreneurial growth and acquisitions as we contrast the management styles of small businesses and large corporations. Learn how nimble approaches can lead to faster innovation and how to strategically decide whether to scale up or aim for acquisition. We walk you through the emotional and practical aspects of significant business deals, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and maintaining your company culture during transitions. Join us for invaluable insights and support to help you thrive on your entrepreneurial journey.

Discover the remarkable story of Connie, whose journey from Castle Rock, Colorado, to becoming an entrepreneurial force is nothing short of inspiring. Learn how early experiences working in her family's small businesses and a move to Arkansas set the foundation for a career that saw her rise from a secretary at Tyson Foods to managing major business accounts. Connie shares the pivotal moments that defined her path, the challenges she overcame, and the lessons learned that continue to drive her success today.

In this episode, you'll hear firsthand accounts of Connie's transition from corporate life to business ownership, including the strategic pivots and resilience required to keep her ice cream brand, YumYos, afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. We explore the nuances of acquiring an existing business, the importance of adaptability, and how leveraging decades of experience can lead to entrepreneurial triumphs. Connie's candid reflections on the ups and downs of her journey provide valuable insights into the realities of running multiple ventures, from a yogurt shop to a bookkeeping business and poultry farms.

Gain practical advice on navigating entrepreneurship, from managing risks to the critical role of preparation and strategic planning. Connie's story underscores the importance of relationships, mentoring, and maintaining ethical principles while steering a business through uncertain times. This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone looking to understand the complexities of entrepreneurship and the hard-won rewards of dedication and hard work. Tune in to be inspired and equipped with the knowledge to face your own business challenges head-on.