Scale from Here | Business Growth & Scaling Strategies for Small Business Owners

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2025 was a year of transformation for business owners and leaders everywhere, and The KeyHire Small Business Podcast was right there with them. In this special year-end wrap-up episode, we’re revisiting some of the most powerful insights and real-world strategies from our guests this year — the moments that challenged the way we think about leadership, operations, and growth in small business.

First, we look back at our conversation with Chris Dundee, who reminded us that building smarter systems doesn’t require complicated software or massive budgets. It starts with solving a problem once and never having to solve it again. From QR code-based training tools to practical, measurable learning strategies, Chris showed how small businesses can create accessible, just-in-time training that frees up leaders to focus on growth rather than repetition. His approach to “training once, using forever” was a standout lesson in efficiency and scalability for business owners of every size.

Then, Tara Wagner brought the conversation back to balance. In a world obsessed with going viral, she made the case for calm, sustainable marketing strategies. Her “social media business card” concept reminded us that small business owners don’t have to chase algorithms — they can use simple, intentional online presence to validate their credibility and connect authentically with customers. It’s a refreshing message for entrepreneurs ready to build relevance without burnout.

Next, we revisited highlights from our first-ever KeyHire Roundtable, featuring Simone Janssen, Kurt Eller, and Young Han — a powerhouse lineup exploring what it really means to hire and lead in a changing market. From Kurt’s push to hire “athletes” instead of resumes, to Simone’s perspective on clarity, fit, and follow-through, this discussion captured what we love most about the KeyHire community: real leaders having honest conversations about how to scale a small business the right way.

Finally, Aaron Christie took us inside a story that perfectly captures what 2025 was all about — leveraging technology with purpose. By creating a custom GPT to streamline his company’s roofing estimates, Aaron showed that AI isn’t about replacing people, it’s about empowering them. His experiment turned into a blueprint for building repeatable, efficient processes that allow companies to grow without adding unnecessary overhead. It’s the kind of innovation that defines the next generation of small business management.

From practical tools to human-centered leadership, this year on The KeyHire Podcast was all about helping entrepreneurs stop grinding and start growing. As we look ahead, we’re excited to bring you even more stories, insights, and breakthroughs in 2026.

Stay with us — the best is yet to come.

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Conflict. It’s one of those things every small business owner deals with—but few know how to handle well. In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Yvette Durazo, workplace strategist, international speaker, and author of In the Heels of a Smart Negotiator. Yvette has spent more than 14 years helping leaders and teams transform conflict from a source of tension into a driver of collaboration and innovation.

If you’ve ever thought, “I love running my business—if it weren’t for the people,” this conversation is for you. Yvette introduces her methodology of Conflict Intelligence (Conflict IQ)—a human-centered approach that goes beyond standard conflict resolution. Instead of treating conflict as a problem to be avoided, Conflict IQ helps leaders recognize it as a natural part of growth and team dynamics.

Yvette and Corey dive into why most organizations are still uncomfortable addressing conflict, how punitive HR systems often make things worse, and why emotional intelligence is the foundation for any healthy culture. Yvette breaks down how conflict management ranks among the top 15 most important skills in today’s workplace—right up there with artificial intelligence. Her insights remind us that emotional regulation, empathy, and self-awareness aren’t “soft skills”—they’re business essentials.

From her experiences working with small businesses to training executives worldwide, Yvette explains how behavior modification, active listening, and self-awareness create the foundation for “meta-skills”—the ability to adapt your communication and leadership style to any situation. You’ll also hear her powerful story of a business owner who grew his company threefold not by adding more people, but by involving his employees in the process and listening to their ideas.

Whether you’re managing a small team or leading a growing company, this episode is packed with practical takeaways on how to:

• Prevent small disagreements from festering into full-blown issues
• Communicate with empathy and emotional balance—even under stress
• Turn “taboo topics” like conflict into opportunities for growth
• Build a workplace culture where people feel heard, respected, and accountable

As Corey puts it, “When you have people, you have conflict—but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing.” If you want to transform friction into forward motion, this episode will give you a roadmap to start doing exactly that.

Listen now, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who’s ready to lead their team with more confidence, clarity, and compassion.

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Learn More about Yvette: https://unitiveconsulting.com/en

Read In the High Heels of a Smart Negotiator: https://a.co/d/4aYjC7J   

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Inflation, tariffs, and rising costs—three words that can send any small business owner into a tailspin. In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock breaks down what’s really happening behind today’s numbers and how you can protect your margins while staying profitable through it all. 

Inflation may have cooled from pandemic highs, but at 2.9%, it’s still 50% higher than the Federal Reserve’s target, and small business owners are feeling it even more acutely. Add in new tariffs that cost the average small business $90,000 in just four months, and you’ve got a one-two punch threatening profit margins across the country. 

Corey unpacks what these numbers actually mean and, more importantly, what you can do about them. He explains why absorbing costs without a plan can trap your business in a cycle of “opening the doors just to pay the bills,” and how panic-based price increases can alienate loyal customers. Instead, Corey shares real strategies for navigating inflation and tariffs strategically, from transparent, data-driven price adjustments to renegotiating supplier contracts and building supply chain resilience. 

Listeners will learn why 65% of small businesses remain profitable despite these pressures, and how adaptability and creative problem-solving are driving that success. Corey outlines key actions every owner should take: 

• Model different tariff and inflation scenarios. 
• Audit expenses and find “lost pennies” in recurring costs. 
• Invest in smart automation and AI tools that increase efficiency without cutting jobs. 
• Protect your profit margins by focusing on high-performing products and financial reserves. 

More than just a crash course in economics, this episode is a playbook for survival and growth in unpredictable times. Corey’s message is clear: small business owners who stay informed, act strategically, and communicate transparently can not only weather inflation and tariffs, but emerge stronger and more resilient. 

Tune in to learn how to adapt, protect your margins, and reclaim your peace of mind, because at the end of the day, your business shouldn’t just grind to survive. It should grow to thrive. 

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If you are a small business owner who has ever wondered how to get more time back, reduce missed calls, capture more leads, or simply stop juggling tasks from the golf course or the job site, this episode will open your eyes to what is now possible. Corey sits down with Marianne Mlechick, Vice President of Operations at Abby Connect, to reveal how AI powered receptionists are transforming the way small businesses handle communication, scheduling, and customer intake.

Marianne brings more than a decade of experience leading operations at Abby Connect, a company that has grown from a handful of people to a full scale team supporting businesses nationwide. She explains how their AI receptionist was trained on more than a million real calls, which allows it to interact with customers in a natural and conversational way. Instead of a stiff phone tree, callers reach a system that can answer questions, recognize intent, and guide them exactly where they need to go.

Listeners will hear how business owners are using AI receptionists to gain instant coverage around the clock. Every call is answered. Every new lead is captured. Every detail is recorded. Nothing depends on someone remembering to write something down or call someone back. Whether a caller is asking for pricing, trying to schedule an appointment, or requesting support, the AI receptionist can handle the intake, collect all necessary information, and route the call or schedule time on your calendar.

Corey also explores the warm transfer feature, which allows owners to immediately know who is calling and what they want before picking up. This creates a seamless experience for both sides. Marianne explains how custom call flows, unlimited FAQs, and drag and drop setup tools allow owners to tailor the AI receptionist to their exact business needs. From VIP client routing to outbound messages that match your brand personality, the system gives owners more control than they often realize.

The episode highlights real results from small businesses that discovered they had been missing far more calls than expected. Once the AI receptionist was active, many saw measurable increases in revenue simply because every inquiry was captured and quickly followed up on. It is a simple shift that prevents opportunities from slipping away during busy days, holidays, or moments when owners are tied up with clients.

Marianne also shares how easy it is to get started. Most businesses can complete setup in about 15 minutes. Abby Connect supports new users with onboarding, live technicians, and a 14 day free trial. The cost is surprisingly accessible at roughly 100 to 150 dollars per month depending on call volume. For many owners, landing just one new client covers the entire month of service.

If you are curious about how AI can support your business without complexity, this episode will show you what a well designed AI receptionist can deliver. You will hear practical examples, clear explanations, and a simple path for deciding whether this tool belongs in your business. Tune in and discover a smarter way to reduce stress, improve service, and create more space to focus on growth.

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Learn More about Abby: abby.com

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If you employ anyone who works under an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast is one you cannot afford to miss. 

Host Corey Harlock breaks down the rule changes that went into effect on October 30, 2025, and what they mean for small business owners across the United States. These updates have quietly transformed how EAD renewals are handled, and if you are not paying attention, they could expose your business to serious fines, penalties, or even criminal charges. 

For years, EAD holders were automatically granted a 540-day extension while their renewals were being processed. That safety net is gone. Under the new regulations, if an employee’s EAD expires and their renewal has not yet been approved, they are no longer eligible to work in the U.S. Employers who allow them to continue working could face fines that start at $676 per worker and can climb to $27,000 per worker for repeated violations. 

Corey uses his own immigration experience to explain how the different work permits function and why this change matters to small business owners. He keeps it simple, clear, and immediately actionable. This episode is not about fear. It is about taking control, staying compliant, and protecting your business from unnecessary risk. 

Listeners will learn how to: 

• Identify which employees are on EADs or student visas 

• Track renewal dates in a simple spreadsheet 

• Use the 180-day renewal window to get ahead of expiration dates 

• Communicate clearly with affected employees 

• Document renewals to stay compliant 

• Build contingency plans and cross-train team members in case renewals are delayed 


Corey reminds business owners that EAD renewals typically take three to six months to process, which means waiting until the last minute is no longer an option. He walks through how to set up reminders, manage documentation, and build systems that keep teams working legally and smoothly. 

If you are a small business owner who employs workers on EADs, tune in now to learn how to protect your team, avoid costly mistakes, and keep your business running under the new rules. 

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How do you give honest, critical feedback without losing your best people?

That’s the question we tackle in this week’s episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, as host Corey Harlock sits down with Cortney Watson, leadership coach and former COO who helped scale a D.C.-based consulting firm from $10 million to $40 million. Cortney knows firsthand how fast growth can outpace structure—and how poor feedback habits can quietly destroy a company’s momentum.

Together, Corey and Cortney unpack why most small business owners avoid critical conversations, and how that avoidance leads to stalled growth, poor culture, and frustrated teams. Cortney shares her proven strategies for building a culture of continuous feedback—one where input flows in both directions, and where accountability is seen as support, not punishment.

Cortney explains why feedback shouldn’t just “go down” from leader to employee—it should go up, too. When employees can safely share input with their managers, everyone grows. That’s how small businesses evolve from founder-driven operations into scalable, self-sustaining organizations.

In this candid conversation, Corey and Cortney dig into practical frameworks that any small business can implement, including:

• How to establish trust before tough conversations
• Why timing and tone are everything when giving feedback
• The pitfalls of waiting too long to address performance issues
• How to avoid the dreaded “feedback sandwich” and get real results
• How strong feedback habits directly impact growth and retention

They also discuss the deeper side of leadership—what happens when owners let frustration fester, when they fail to hold poor performers accountable, and when they accidentally drive away their top talent. Cortney shares how she helps leaders recognize those patterns early, and replace them with healthy, repeatable habits that build trust and performance over time.

Whether you’re running a five-person shop or managing a fast-scaling team, this episode will give you the language and mindset you need to start leading with clarity and confidence. Because great feedback isn’t criticism—it’s coaching. And when you learn to coach your people well, you unlock the potential that drives your business forward.

Tune in now to learn how to stop avoiding hard conversations, start building stronger teams, and finally create a culture where people want to stay and grow.

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Learn More about Cortney: https://cortneywatson.focalpointcoaching.com/

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The economy is sending mixed signals. Reports say it is strong, but the markets and hiring data tell a different story. Many small business owners are facing what I call “The Great Hiring Freeze.” 

In this episode, I explore what is really happening behind the scenes. Business owners are holding off on hiring because they are unsure about the future. That hesitation is creating stress, burnout, and missed opportunities. I’ll break down why this “wait and see” mindset is costing more than it saves, and how you can make smarter moves to build your team even in uncertain times. 

Right now, there are over seven million job openings in the U.S., but only about five million people are actually being hired each month. The problem is not a lack of opportunity. It is a lack of clarity and strategy. 

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: 

• The Perfect Candidate Trap: How unrealistic job descriptions keep you from hiring good people and why chasing “unicorns” can hold your business back. 
• Overworked Teams and Hidden Costs: Why stretching your best employees too thin leads to burnout and turnover, and what it really costs to lose them. 
• Breaking Analysis Paralysis: How indecision and endless comparison during the hiring process can cause you to miss great candidates. 
• Hiring as an Investment, Not an Expense: How to shift your mindset and start measuring hiring in terms of ROI, whether you are bringing in someone for potential or proven experience. 
• The Myth of Perfect Timing: Why waiting for the “right time” to hire is risky, and how to keep recruiting continuously and strategically. 

You’ll also hear how to design a hiring process that is both exhaustive and efficient. I’ll explain how to shorten your hiring timeline to about two weeks, avoid panic hires, and stop the cycle of rework and frustration that hurts productivity and morale. 

Whether you are looking for a manager or adding frontline support, this episode will help you rethink how and when to hire. You’ll gain practical steps for staying proactive and building confidence in your decisions. 

If you’ve been delaying your next hire because you’re unsure what the economy will do, this conversation will help you move from uncertainty to clarity. Hiring can feel risky right now, but waiting can be even riskier. 

Tune in to learn how to find, attract, and keep the right people so your business can keep moving forward. 

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If you’ve ever stared at your social media feed wondering why it isn’t bringing in business, this episode will change the way you think about Instagram. Host Corey Harlock sits down with Tara Wagner, an accredited small business consultant and creator of the Breakthrough Boss Method, to unpack a smarter, saner way to use social media: the Instagram Business Card Strategy.

Instead of chasing viral trends or dancing for likes, Tara shares how business owners can treat Instagram like a digital business card, a simple and strategic presence that validates your credibility when customers check you out. She explains why most small businesses don’t need to go viral to grow and how to turn your social profile into a tool that supports your actual marketing plan, not another full-time job.

Together, Corey and Tara break down what to include in your bio, highlights, and posts to build trust and lead visitors to take the next step, whether that’s booking a call, visiting your location, or requesting a quote.
 
Tara walks through her clear, repeatable framework:

- Start with the end in mind. Know the single next step you want potential customers to take.

- Craft your bio and highlights with intention. Make it about your audience, not your accolades.

- Curate content that answers unspoken questions. Think: “Where do I park?” “What does this place feel like?” “Can I trust these people?”

They also talk about common mistakes like boosting posts that hurt organic reach, over-posting without purpose, and following influencer advice that doesn’t fit real business needs. Tara emphasizes that for most entrepreneurs, Instagram’s real value lies in validation, not visibility, and that freeing yourself from the pressure to perform online can give you more time for what actually drives profit.

This episode is packed with practical, down-to-earth advice for owners who want results without burnout. Whether you’re a solopreneur or have a small team, Tara’s approach will help you simplify your marketing, attract the right clients, and make social media work for your business, not the other way around.

Listen now to learn how to transform your Instagram from a time-sink into a powerful credibility tool, no trends, no dances, no burnout required.

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Learn More about Tara: xotara.us
The Business Card Checklist: xotara.us/socialbizcard
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Training doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In this episode, Corey Harlock talks with Chris Dundy, CEO of Flagship LMS, about how small business owners can create simple, effective, and trackable training programs using tools they already have. 

Most small business owners think training requires a huge budget, hours of preparation, and complicated software. Chris explains that with a smartphone, a clear process, and a bit of structure, any business can build training that improves performance, reduces risk, and keeps teams aligned without breaking the bank. 

Corey and Chris explore how to move away from seeing training as a cost center and start viewing it as a profit driverthat strengthens consistency, safety, and customer experience. Whether you are onboarding new employees, documenting safety procedures, or standardizing customer service, Chris shows how accessible, just-in-time training can transform operations. 

You will learn: 

• How to use your iPhone and free tools like H5P.org to create and host interactive training videos 
• The easiest way to generate and print QR codes that link directly to training videos or checklists for on-demand access in the workplace 
• How to track engagement and performance without an IT department or expensive software 
• Why short, clear, and practical training (five to seven minutes long) is always more effective than long, overproduced content 

Chris and Corey discuss the real-world challenges business owners face when trying to train their people effectively. From perfectionism that delays progress to creating content that misses what employees actually need, Chris shares the common mistakes he has seen and how to fix them quickly. 

You will also hear real examples from Chris’s clients, including how one organization trains 10,000 volunteers each year using QR-code-based learning, and how others in manufacturing and childcare have improved safety and consistency through quick, mobile-friendly training. 

If you have ever thought, “I don’t have time for training,” this conversation will change your mind. You will come away with practical steps to get started today, using tools you already know. 

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Learn More about Chris: flagshiplms.com 

The Checklist Manifesto: https://a.co/d/eWhTzqb 

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Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram 

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.

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In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Aaron Christy, founder of Indy Roof and Restoration, to explore how small business owners can use AI to create repeatable, scalable processes that save time, improve accuracy, and reduce overhead.

Aaron isn’t an AI expert. He’s a business owner who saw an opportunity to simplify his operations by automating one of his most time-consuming workflows—the quoting process. Through a practical and down-to-earth conversation, Corey and Aaron walk listeners through how custom GPTs can transform everyday business tasks without the complexity or cost most owners expect.

Aaron explains how he built a custom GPT that reviews roofing quotes for accuracy against photos, measurements, and materials. What once took an employee an hour now happens in minutes—and the AI delivers a downloadable report with 98% accuracy. After several rounds of testing and refinement, his team now runs every quote through the system before production. The result? Fewer errors, faster turnaround, and the ability to scale from $15 million to $50 million in annual revenue without hiring additional staff.

Listeners will learn:

- How to create and refine a custom GPT for specific business functions
- Why clear prompting and testing are essential for accurate AI results
- How automation can free up your team for higher-value work
- What mistakes to avoid when building your first custom GPT
- Why the goal is efficiency and scalability—not job elimination

Aaron and Corey also dive into the mindset shift required to successfully adopt AI. It’s not about replacing people—it’s about giving your business smarter tools to handle repetitive, low-value work. From quoting to customer service to sales communication, custom GPTs can help small business owners reclaim hours every week and build more reliable, repeatable systems.

Aaron shares an easy starting point for anyone ready to experiment: a free tool in the GPT Store called Prime Time Prompter, which walks users step-by-step through building their own custom GPTs. With simple prompts and iterative testing, even non-technical business owners can begin creating their own AI-driven efficiencies in minutes.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by AI or unsure where to start, this episode breaks it down into simple, actionable steps. It’s a real-world look at how automation can streamline small business operations, boost productivity, and create room for growth—all without increasing headcount or overhead.

Listen now to learn how to start turning your everyday processes into repeatable, scalable wins.

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Learn More about Aaron: https://indyroofandrestoration.com/
Prime Time Prompter: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-lNxqwEY3T-primetime-prompter

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