Extra/Ordinary Small Business

How did craft brewing company Yuengling survive almost 200 years, through prohibition and the dawn of the mega brewery? This is the story of how Yuengling deployed character, community, grit, and resilience to become the largest craft brewery, the 6th overall largest brewery, and America’s oldest brewery, all while maintaining 100% family ownership? We had the honor to chat with Debbie Yuengling.  Debbie shared with us her memories of the company from childhood, what drew her into the family business, what aspects of their business and culture have given them such staying power, and how family can work together to succeed, generation after generation.    Join the #extraordinarysmallbusinesschallenge on social media! Instagram: instagram.com/extraordinarysmallbusiness Facebook: facebook.com/extraordinarysmallbusiness Twitter: twitter.com/extraordinarysb Online: extraordinarysmallbusiness.com   This episode was made possible by ClickFunnels.  Software that will LEVEL UP your small business.  Check them out—> http://extraordinarysmallbusiness.com/clickfunnels

It started with a cocktail, a chance meeting, and a love for doughnuts.  What resulted was a doughnut phenom that took New York City by storm.  By pushing the boundaries with recipes like the "everything doughnut" and the beet & ricotta doughnut, The Doughnut Project attracted everyone from in search of delicious travel destinations to major brands looking to collaborate on innovative projects.  Co-owner Leslie Polizzotto shares her journey with us from leaving the legal profession, to moving across the country and starting a business, to harnessing the power of social media to supercharge the growth of her small business.   Join the #extraordinarysmallbusinesschallenge on social media! Instagram: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Facebook: /extraordinarysmallbusiness Twitter: @extraordinarysb Online: extraordinarysmallbusiness.com   This episode was made possible by WP Engine.

In 1959, his mother helped him get a business loan to open his first service center.  Today, Fred Beans sits at the helm of a self-made empire with more than 14 auto dealerships supplying 19 vehicle brands across southeastern Pennsylvania, employing over 1,700 people.  Fred shares more than 6 decades of wisdom with us about starting, growing, and managing a small business with staying power.   Join the #extraordinarysmallbusinesschallenge on social media! Instagram: @extraordinarysmallbusiness/ Facebook: facebook.com/extraordinarysmallbusiness Twitter: @extraordinarysb Online: extraordinarysmallbusiness.com/   This episode was made possible by ClickFunnels.  Software that will LEVEL UP your small business.  Check them out—> http://extraordinarysmallbusiness.com/clickfunnels

"I can't believe this product doesn't exist."  That thought, or some variation of it, is the origin point for many entrepreneurial journeys.   While most entrepreneur stories may begin that way, the endings vary greatly, from the licensing of an invention to the sale of a company, to an unfortunate flop. It was this question that Mark Kuhn asked himself as a college intern that led to the founding of the quirky, creative engineering firm. From that initial “hey we could build that" moment, Kuhn set out to assemble his core team of partners that were willing to give entrepreneurship a go. The twists and turns in Oat Foundry’s road have led to the establishment of a thriving small business. “We build cool stuff” is their motto....and, well, they do!

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Have you ever attended a sporting event where one lucky spectator has the chance to win a car if he or she could bank a half-court shot? Have you ever gone to a charity event where you could win $25,000 if you sink a hole in one?  What you may not realize is adding this type of contest to an event isn’t as risky as it sounds.  All it takes is a special type of event insurance.  That’s the basis of what Interactive Promotions Group (and its flagship US Hole in One) does.     This story is a unique one in many ways - it technically operates as a traditional brick and mortar, but most of its business is brought in via the internet.  This business is also the type of business, based on its very impressive performance, that typically attracts investors, capital, and even buyout offers.  What is so refreshing to me about Greg Esterhai’s story is that, while all of that has been available to them, they choose to continue to wholly own and operate the business. We learned a lot about niche operations, business partnership and having conviction and vision that helps you achieve your goals.     Are you connected with Extra/Ordinary Small Business?   Instagram: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Facebook: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Online: extraordinarysmallbusiness.com <-- Sign up for our email!   Want to be featured on Extra/Ordinary Small Business?  Head to extraordinarysmallbusiness.com to apply.

If you mention the name Valerie Weber or Dermagrafix in permanent cosmetic circles, you may get a look of recognition or admiration.  Valerie Weber is an international name in her industry, a talented artist and a savvy business owner. When you meet Val or browse her social media, you will encounter a poised, professional and successful artist-meets-mogul who seems effortless in her delivery. But the truth is, Weber achieved those things through a lot of hard work and determination.   Having made the choice to strike it out of her own while settling into a new life as a single mother, Valerie shares her outlook on what it takes to get to where you want to go in your career and in your life.  Valerie kept a hold of her vision and ambition to make a business and a better life for herself and her son. Today, she is a mother of two sons, a wife to a loving and supportive husband, and an all-around boss.     Are you connected with Extra/Ordinary Small Business?   Instagram: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Facebook: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Online: extraordinarysmallbusiness.com <-- Sign up for our email!   Want to be featured on Extra/Ordinary Small Business?  Head to extraordinarysmallbusiness.com to apply.

Insurance.  We all need it…. Few understand it.  Do I have enough?  Is every circumstance covered?  Am I going to end up one of those horror stories where I was underinsured in a crisis?  For most busy people, there simply isn’t enough time to do the hours of research it takes to become intimately versed on insurance needs.  Most of us would see the value in buying our insurance from someone we know and trust.  That is how Steve Gannon has built his business.  In an industry that took to the internet ahead of many industries, Steve has placed emphasis on customer service and quality.  We sat down with Steve to hear his story, from his entry into the industry from college to his startup years, to growing his employee base and becoming an award-winning firm.  This isn’t a story about insurance so much as it is a story about building a business that has a strong foundation.   Are you connected with Extra/Ordinary Small Business?   Instagram: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Facebook: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Online: extraordinarysmallbusiness.com <-- Sign up for our email!   Want to be featured on Extra/Ordinary Small Business?  Head to extraordinarysmallbusiness.com to apply.

Guests today on the Extra/Ordinary Small Business Podcast: Zanya Gissler and Filomena Cook, the dynamic duo behind Zanya Spa Salon. This extraordinary small business is headed by 2 yin and yang business partners whose talents complement each other to form a killer business combination.  Zanya Gissler, the beauty industry veteran, Filomena Cook, the savvy businesswoman.  We learned a lot about what it means to run a small business with a large staff, how to overcome setbacks and how to succeed in a business partnership.   Are you connected with Extra/Ordinary Small Business?   Instagram: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Facebook: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Online: extraordinarysmallbusiness.com <-- Sign up for our email!   Want to be featured on Extra/Ordinary Small Business?  Head to extraordinarysmallbusiness.com to apply.

A long-time artist and graphic designer, John Fezzuoglio decided later on in life that he needed to make a change for the sweeter. Influenced by his childhood memories of authentic homemade food in Brooklyn New York, John decided to combine his love for food with his artisan skill. The result? In less than 10 years, Owowcow has become a runaway hit. We visited John in his Lambertville, New Jersey ice cream shop to dive deeper on how he became an extraordinary small business. Was it a killer social media strategy? Was it clever marketing? This story is one about a relentless focus on authenticity and crafting the best product possible.

 

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In this episode, how Mary Dougherty turned her natural business savvy and hunger for success to into profitable small businesses in the fashion space, first as a successful retail wholesaler, and later the owner and operator of Nicole Miller Philadelphia.    The name Nicole Miller may be familiar to you.  As the “queen of the little black dress,” this fashion label has been loved and worn across the globe since 1982.  Perhaps a lesser known fact about the company is that it works with a network of independently owned boutiques to sell its merchandise.  Having made a name for herself in the male-dominated industry of wholesale fashion, Mary Dougherty was recruited by designer Nicole Miller to become a retailer.    Mary’s unique experience and perspective were her secret weapons, allowing her to make shrewd decisions that earned her the credit of becoming an “overnight success”. Mary sat down with us to recount her story and share with us how she became a top independent retailer in the city of Philadelphia.   Are you connected with Extra/Ordinary Small Business?   Instagram: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Facebook: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Online: extraordinarysmallbusiness.com <-- Sign up for our email!   Want to be featured on Extra/Ordinary Small Business?  Head to extraordinarysmallbusiness.com to apply.