Emma Ferrick created ELF Operations when she noticed that solopreneurs and entrepreneurs everywhere needed help with automating, operating, and standardizing their businesses. She realized that her background in logistics, operations, and supply chain management could be put to work by solving the types of daily challenges that often overwhelm small business owners, thus preventing them from making real strides in their companies. In this episode, Emma talks about developing an entrepreneurial mindset, overcoming rejection, and what it’s like to build a service-based business in the middle of a pandemic.

When Luke Cypher launched Blue Sparrow, he knew it would be an adventure. Five years later, he has created a menu inspired by global ingredients fused together into classic street cart dishes made from scratch. His operation now includes the original food truck, a food bus, and a commissary kitchen in Avalon. In this episode, Luke talks about the importance of building community through food, the meaning behind the name Blue Sparrow, and what he loves the most about being a food truck operator.

Emily Bonk’s curiosity for soap making as a teenager eventually turned into a full-blown business as a young adult. After a brief time in college, she recognized her passion for entrepreneurship and Up in Suds was born. In this episode, Emily shares the hilarious story behind the name of her business, how she made the decision to leave college and get started, and her experiences with turning her craft into her livelihood.

Dr. Tammy Washington has been a single mother, a corporate career woman, the holder of a PhD, and now she can add entrepreneur to her long list of accomplishments. With her new business venture, the Sea Moss Gel Lady, she hopes to combine her passion for self-care and healthy living with her community engagement work, which focuses on educating and empowering single mothers in disadvantaged communities.

What started as a hobby, so that Lauren Marts and her husband could enjoy their favorite dessert in gluten-free form, quickly turned into a prospering local business. Today, Baked True North is emerging as a leading purveyor of gluten-free baked goods in the Pittsburgh region. In this episode, Lauren talks about how she got started, what the “true north” in her business name stands for, and why collaboration between small businesses is vitally important during this economically challenging time.

When Hannah Lane Critzer opened HLane Dry Goods & Coffee she set out to combine two of her favorite things – bringing together the diverse group of people in her neighborhood and expressing her creativity through custom apparel design and upcycled clothing. In this episode, Hannah describes her first impressions of Pittsburgh, the best part about owning a store with a coffee bar, and how she is responding to the pandemic.

What started as a craving for artisan pretzels from his German homeland eventually brought Axel Claussen and his son, Connor, together in a father-and-son business. Since 2013, they have been supplying local establishments with their authentic, German pretzels made from organic and non-GMO ingredients. In this episode, Connor talks about the origins of the business, what makes their product unique, and how they are navigating through this uncertain time.

There is a common thread that runs through the different career choices Brittany Hartle has made; more than anything, she wants to help people. Today, she serves others through both of her businesses – Yogi Be Wellness and Your CBD Store in the North Hills. In this episode, Brittany shares her story, the importance of yoga in her life, and some timeless advice for all entrepreneurs.

Dan Hersh and Sam Stein created Engaged Prospect to provide the type of sales support and expertise that’s usually lacking in most small and medium-sized businesses. In our discussion, they describe their core service model and their newly launched online training program for entrepreneurs. We also discuss how businesses are pivoting right now in light of the current events surrounding the pandemic, as well as what entrepreneurs and their teams can and should be doing to make the most out of the current situation.

Hello, Pittsburghers! Get ready for Season 5. This extended season will feature many resilient and incredible small business owners representing a wide variety of business types here in our region. My hat goes off to all of these hard-working entrepreneurs, their team members, and also to you for supporting them through this challenging time. I’m proud to see the way people have pulled together through this, and I’m prouder than ever to call myself a Pittsburgher.