Small Business Miracles Podcast

When a company decides to improve the skills of their staff, an ongoing training program can be a real benefit — especially when the curriculum is designed just for you. Not to mention the bonus impact an ongoing training program has in keeping today's employees happy and motivated. UMKC TalentLink Executive Director Jake Akehurst sits down to talk about that and more on this episode. Plus, a quick marketing tip about what your marketing budget can learn from the law of strawberry jam.

First responders and veterans have an amazing resource at TheBattleWithin.org. Executive Director Justin Hoover sits down with us to talk about their programs, outcomes, wiffle ball and even a new certification program for service dogs, specifically designed to support retired veterans and first responders. For today’s tip, let’s keep an eye on that competition.

In this episode we talk to musician, creative consultant and Vine Street Brewing owner Kemet Coleman.

Dr. Latanya Goodloe drops by to talk to us about her commercial contracting business, LRG Commercial Contracting, as well as her nonprofit Ladies that Lean — a nonprofit dedicated to incarceration prevention and supporting women after incarceration. And if that’s not enough, there’s a reality TV show on the way. Plus, a marketing tip about how your strategy should drive the tools you use, not the other way around.

The Big Biscuit lovingly bakes more than 2 million biscuits every year — and counting. The Big Biscuit President Chad Offerdahl joins us on the podcast to talk about their 27 locations in 4 states, and the very intentional culture he’s built to drive success well into the future. In our marketing tip, we challenge you to take the “I” out of judging your creative.

Celeste Carlson used her experience as a program officer for a local community foundation to fuel her consultancy at Growing Good, where she helps nonprofits grow capacity. Listen in for tips about making sure your grant funding matches your organization’s expertise - plus a tip to target your audience after they’ve left the building.

Chef Shanita McAfee Bryant is the founder of The Prospect KC. We stop in for a coffee and conversation to talk about The Prospect KC's amazing work fighting food apartheid, promoting food education, and teaching the next generation of chefs. And you can just stop it with the cake pops anytime you want. Plus, our marketing tip is going to help you focus your marketing by helping you test the factors that make the biggest impact.

Joe Beveridge is the 4th generation President & CEO of Russell-Hampton Company. If you've ever seen a Rotary logo on any product, he's likely involved! Our conversation with Joe talks about multi-generational business ownership, expansion and acquisitions, and the 2026 World Cup, to name just a few. In this week's marketing tip, we encourage you to check those long-held assumptions about your audience so you don't get in your own way.

We’re on location for a special episode with a group of your peers as we get expert insights and actionable strategies to ensure your business not only adapts but thrives in the evolving landscape of 2024. How’s that 2024 plan working out after Q1?

Our featured panelist for this special episode includes:

Rich Cornell, Senior Consultant with RPS Benefits by Design.. Learn from Rich how to bend the benefits cost curve while improving employee engagement.

Katheigh Degen, Co-owner of Twin Financial. Benefit from Katheigh’s expertise in working with business owners to identify how to use the business to achieve their personal financial goals.

Angela Eberhart, Director of Crown CFO. Angela has more than 20 years of varied experience and proven expertise guiding businesses with financial insight and strategic planning.

Mike Jackson, President of Pendello Solutions. With two decades of experience in the industry that changes more than any other, he’s up for the challenge.

Tricia Luedke, Vice President at Enterprise Bank. Hear what can be done from a true concierge for everything businesses need, through Tricia’s very personalized community bank experience with expertise in business banking.  

Michele Markham, Owner of EAG Advertising & Marketing. From her experience running an agency that serves small businesses throughout Kansas City and beyond, Michele will speak to the marketing strategies and tactics for both B2B and B2C companies, along with the trends that could change everything.

Valerie Vaughn, Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional with Apex Business Advisors. Planning to plan to sell your business in the future? Find out what you don’t know from Valerie, who has been successfully consulting with business owners through the process of confidentially selling their business for the past decade.