How Austin Kirby Built a Successful Dryer Vent Cleaning Business From Scratch | Unveil Your True Purpose

Welcome to another episode of Locally Owned! Today, we dive into the inspirational journey of Austin Kirby, a hands-on entrepreneur who built a successful dryer vent cleaning business from scratch. Discover how a scripture from Jeremiah and a rejection of the nine-to-five hamster wheel propelled Austin towards his entrepreneurial dream. Follow Austin’s story from his early struggles and failed attempts to find a fit, to his eventual success with Kirby Dryer Vent Cleaning. Learn how his faith, attention to detail, and quality customer service turned a bucket and a snake brush into a thriving business. Timestamp your way through pivotal moments and entrepreneurial insights that any aspiring business owner can learn from. 
Time Stamps: 
  00:00 - Introduction of Austin Kirby
  02:15 - Early Life and Rejecting the Hamster Wheel
  04:30 - The Significance of Jeremiah 1:5
  08:25 - Realization at Safe Flight and Anthony’s Car Wash
  15:50 - Low Point at Steel City Pops
  19:34 - Finding Success and Purpose
  28:45 - Launching Kirby Dryer Vent Cleaning
  35:53 - First Client and Initial Success
  42:14 - Ongoing Business Growth
  52:30 - Quality and Customer Service
  01:03:50 - Future Plans and Business Philosophy
  01:10:55 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Don't miss this inspiring episode about entrepreneurship, faith, and finding your true purpose!

00:00 Introduction to Austin Kirby
00:26 Early Life and Inspiration
04:08 Struggles and Realizations
07:14 Turning Points and Small Wins
14:57 The Birth of an Entrepreneur
21:22 Building the Business
22:48 The Importance of Faith and Integrity
23:20 Attention to Detail and Client Care
26:30 Overcoming Challenges and Building Success
27:50 Future Plans and Business Growth
29:38 Balancing Growth and Quality of Life
36:24 The Power of Customer Service
40:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Ever wondered how a private equity firm works. This is a real life story of a family owned business that that grew to become a nationally recognized brand, was bought by a private equity firm and collapsed over night! 

In this episode of 'Locally Owned,' we explore the inspiring story of Dominic (Nick) and Jon Paella, who started Jon-Don, a revolutionary janitorial supply company, from their suburban Chicago garage in 1978. Discover how they built a national brand based on treating customers like family and stood by small contractors for decades. Learn how private equity firm Incline Equity Partners acquired Jon-Don in 2021, employing risky financial strategies that ultimately led to the company's bankruptcy by 2025. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of high-risk financial maneuvers and the stark differences between customer-driven values and profit-driven imperatives.

00:00 The Dream Begins: Founding Jon-Don
00:58 Building a Legacy: Nick and Jon's Journey
01:53 A Customer's Perspective: The Jon-Don Experience
08:36 The Private Equity Takeover
10:13 The Downfall: Financial Missteps and Bankruptcy
15:07 Lessons Learned: The Impact of Private Equity
17:06 Conclusion: Preserving the Legacy

How AI Is Revolutionizing Main Street: Zeb Dawson on Sales, Marketing & Small Business GrowthWhat if your small business had an inside sales rep who never missed a call, booked jobs 24/7, followed up with every lead, and talked to customers exactly the way you would? In this episode of Locally Owned, I sit down with Zeb Dawson, founder of Happy Path Marketing, to explore how AI technology is transforming Main Street businesses.Zeb shares his journey from working at Tesla, Uber, and Motional to launching AI-powered tools that help local businesses grow, automate, and thrive. We discuss:
 ✅ How AI can answer calls, book appointments, and qualify leads
 ✅ Why follow-up automation is the key to more sales
 ✅ The danger of DIY thinking in small business marketing
 ✅ Building “trust bridges” with customers using technology
 ✅ Lessons from big tech that every small business owner can useIf you’re a local business owner looking to scale, systematize, and grow with AI, this episode is packed with insights and practical takeaways.
00:00 – AI Sales Rep That Never Sleeps – Zeb’s vision for Main Street businesses using AI to handle calls, bookings, and follow-ups.
02:00 – Early Entrepreneurial Journey – From rock tumblers to PC repair: how Zeb’s curiosity shaped his career.
12:30 – Lessons from Tesla & Uber – What big tech taught him about scaling, leadership, and customer service.
28:30 – Building Trust Bridges – Why relationships + AI are the future of small business growth.
46:00 – Happy Path Marketing & AI CRM – How Zeb helps small business owners automate follow-ups and never miss a lead.

In this video, we delve deep into the concept of branding, explaining why it's more than just a logo or color palette. The essence of a brand is the story consumers tell themselves about your product and reputation. Using a detailed example of Joe's journey with his salsa business, we explore the three stages of branding: Stage 1 where the owner is the brand, Stage 2 where the product becomes the brand, and Stage 3 where reputation is key. Discover the psychological factors behind each stage and actionable strategies to build, nurture, and protect your brand trust as your business scales. Watch to learn how Joe transitioned from local farmer's markets to national shelves and how you can apply these principles to your own branding efforts.00:00 Introduction to Branding00:38 Defining Branding: Beyond Logos and Colors02:05 The Three Stages of Branding03:00 Stage One: The Owner as the Brand08:46 Stage Two: The Product as the Brand13:38 Stage Three: Reputation and Trust20:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
FREE Online Business Readiness Assessment Link: https://yourgoalmind.com/meet-dave-pastor

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How to Make Your Personality Your Brand

In this episode of 'Locally Owned,' host Dave interviews Johnny Juan Ortiz, a dynamic speaker, community leader, and founder of Fun Life Coaching. With decades of experience in mortgage lending, real estate coaching, and community leadership, Johnny shares how his charisma and faith-driven approach to business have fueled his success. From his early days working in a restaurant to launching coaching communities and becoming a certified Ziglar Legacy coach, Johnny provides valuable insights on turning personality into a powerful brand. Tune in to hear Johnny's journey, his strategies for sales success, and his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

00:00 Introduction to Johnny Juan Ortiz
01:51 Johnny's Early Life and Career Beginnings
03:46 From Serving Tables to Sales Success
05:53 Transition to Timeshare and Commission Sales
08:45 Mastering the Art of Likability in Sales
16:53 Journey into Real Estate and Mortgage Lending
23:23 The Value of Coaching and Mentorship
32:00 Overcoming the Fear of Charging for Services
32:37 Building Confidence Through Success
36:56 The Importance of Self-Belief and Leadership
39:44 Connecting with Your Future Self
49:12 The Role of Faith in Achieving Success
54:02 The Value of Coaching and Certification
01:03:38 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

The 5 Mindset Shifts to More Profit, Freedom and Value

In this episode, the host returns after a two-month hiatus to discuss the significant shifts needed to make a small business more profitable, easier to manage, and ultimately more valuable for a future sale. After sharing personal experiences related to moving and converting a townhome into a rental property, the host dives into the five crucial mindset shifts every business owner should adopt. These include transitioning from an owner-dependent to an owner-optional business model, creating documented systems instead of relying on verbal instructions, gaining financial clarity rather than relying on gut feelings, fostering an empowered team instead of just having employees, and focusing on generating recurring revenue to lower business risk. These shifts not only prepare a business for a lucrative sale but also make it more profitable and functional in the now. The episode is packed with actionable insights and concludes with an offer for a free business assessment to help owners identify their most significant gaps and create a 12-month action plan.

00:00 Welcome Back and Personal Updates
01:02 New Business Focus: Helping Small Business Owners
02:43 Mindset Shift #1: From Owner-Dependent to Owner-Optional
10:46 Mindset Shift #2: From Verbal Instructions to Documented Systems
17:44 Mindset Shift #3: From Gut Feel to Financial Clarity
22:59 Mindset Shift #4: From Employees to an Empowered Team
28:24 Mindset Shift #5: From Risky to Recurring Revenue
32:34 Conclusion and Free Assessment Offer

What if scaling your business isn't the only path to success? Join us in today's episode of 'Locally Owned' as we dive deep with Miranda Gwilliam, entrepreneur, intuitive business guide, and founder of Manifest Mountains. Miranda's unique approach defies conventional wisdom by integrating mindset work, intuition, and alignment into her business strategy. Discover how she transitioned from running a successful rug cleaning business with her husband to becoming a mentor for others seeking to manifest a business that truly fits their soul. 🌟 Learn about key moments in her journey, the power of giving yourself permission, and the importance of aligning your business with your personal values. Whether you're a small business owner or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration that could transform your approach to growth and success. Don't miss out! 🔥 #BusinessGrowth #IntuitiveBusiness #ManifestMountains #LocallyOwnedPodcast #SmallBusinessSuccess #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessAlignment

00:00 Introduction: Rethinking Business Growth
00:42 Meet Miranda Gwilliam: From Carpet Cleaning to Mentorship
02:50 The Journey Begins: Building a Business with Family
06:45 Taking Ownership: A Pivotal Moment
14:52 The Birth of Manifest Mountain
19:42 Scaling vs. Niching Down: Finding the Right Path
23:15 Intuitive Business Coaching: A New Venture
32:40 Hybrid Sessions: Strategy and Energetics
34:27 Embracing Spirituality in Business
37:27 The Role of Intuition in Business
38:35 Developing Online Courses and Private Programs
41:46 The Importance of Permission and Self-Belief
49:06 Navigating Client Journeys and Success Stories
55:57 Aligning Online Presence with Business Goals
01:00:40 Intrinsic Motivation and Intuition
01:02:57 Connecting with Miranda
01:04:49 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

https://manifestmountains.com/home
https://www.instagram.com/manifestingwithmiranda/

To get in touch with me, Dave Pastor please email me at:  [email protected]

From Humble Beginnings to Local Fame: The Success Story of Rug Works

In this episode of 'Locally Owned,' the host interviews Scott and Miranda from Rug Works, a family-run business that has transformed the rug cleaning industry. From a modest carpet cleaning operation, the couple expanded into high-end textile cleaning, garnering nearly a million social media followers and becoming renowned for their expertise and educational outreach. They discuss their journey, passion for customer service, and the importance of education in their business model. The conversation also covers the transition from carpet cleaning to specialized rug care, their innovative receiving program for high-end rugs, and the role of social media in their growth. Their story highlights how passion, education, and strategic innovation can drive business success.

00:00 Introduction to Scott and Miranda's Journey
01:30 The Beginnings of Rug Works
04:15 Scott's Early Career and Family Influence
06:13 Transition to High-End Residential Cleaning
13:10 The Birth of Rug Works
16:34 Miranda's Role and Corporate Background
23:11 Scott's Rug Cleaning Education
35:16 Scaling the Business and Overcoming Challenges
39:59 Raising Prices and Testing the Waters
40:34 Collaborating with Competitors
41:34 Specializing in Rug Cleaning
42:22 Introducing Fiber Protectors
44:14 Creating a Niche Receiving Program
51:13 The Power of Social Media
55:28 Educational Outreach and Industry Impact
01:11:13 Intuitive Business Guidance
01:19:13 Final Thoughts and Reflections

From Homemaker to Six-Figure Vending Business: Kathy Kidd's Entrepreneurial Journey

In this episode of Locally Owned, meet Kathy Kidd, a single mom who transformed a modest vending machine business into a thriving six-figure enterprise. Starting from scratch at the age of 55, Kathy, along with her son Grant, grew their operation from 6 to over 50 machines. Discover how Kathy used her background in accounting and homemaking to build a business that not only meets the market's demand but also matches her desired lifestyle. Learn about the strategic decisions, overcoming technical challenges, and the smart use of customization that set Kathy's vending business apart. Perfect for small business owners seeking inspiration and practical advice on balancing work and life while scaling a business.

00:00 Starting Over at 55: Kathy Kidd's Journey
00:33 From Homemaker to Business Owner
01:13 The Early Challenges and Breakthroughs
02:18 The Decision to Start a Vending Business
03:21 Building a Business with Family
04:40 Overcoming Obstacles and Learning Curves
05:51 Customizing the Vending Experience
08:12 Expanding the Business and Team Dynamics
11:20 Developing Efficient Systems
25:42 The Evolution of Vending Machine Restocking
26:22 Card vs. Cash Transactions in Vending
27:37 Micro Marts: Trust and Technology
29:47 Winning Over Unhappy Clients
31:30 Customizing Vending for Success
32:06 Balancing Health and Traditional Snacks
37:33 Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry
41:00 Work-Life Balance and Succession Planning
46:04 Advice for New Entrepreneurs
47:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Unstoppable Journey of Veronika Walker: Building a Client-Centered Salon

Join us on this inspiring episode of 'Locally Owned' as we dive into the remarkable journey of Veronica Walker, owner of Concepcion Salon. From moving to the US at 22 without knowing English to navigating through an array of challenges including long commutes, rejection, and a pandemic, Veronika's story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Discover how she turned barriers into opportunities and created a unique, client-centered salon that values both customers and stylists. Perfect for small local business owners looking for motivation and insights on building a thriving business from scratch.

00:00 Veronika Walker's Journey Begins
00:52 Introduction to Veronika Walker
01:35 Early Life and Challenges
02:58 Career Beginnings in the US
03:51 Rising Through the Ranks at Jenny Craig
09:20 Transition to the Salon Industry
12:16 Facing Rejection and Building Resilience
17:58 Opening Her Own Salon
27:28 Navigating COVID-19 Challenges
29:26 Opening My Own Salon
30:08 Finding the Right Location
30:40 Different Business Models in the Salon Industry
32:56 Valuing Stylists as Clients
35:39 The Trinity of Success
37:51 Building a Positive Salon Culture
43:40 Specialties Offered at the Salon
47:24 Balancing Work and Family
48:46 Leadership and People Skills
52:58 Future Plans and Awards
54:24 Ideal Clientele and Contact Information
57:43 Conclusion and Call to Action

Concepcion Salon