Most people see a successful business.

They rarely hear the story behind it.

In this episode of Small Business Strong, I sit down with James Reed, founder of MAG Feeders, to talk about far more than deer feeders. We discuss faith, family, sacrifice, perseverance, and what it really takes to build something that lasts.

James shares the story behind his first homemade prototype, the obstacles his family faced along the way, and why his motto, “Keep A Diggin’,” has become more than just a saying—it’s a way of life.

We also dive into:

• How MAG Feeders got its start
• The role faith has played throughout the journey
• The sacrifices required to build a business
• Advice for anyone dreaming of becoming an entrepreneur
• What James hopes people remember long after the business is gone

Whether you’re building a company, chasing a dream, or simply need encouragement to keep going, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humility, and hope.

Keep A Diggin’.

 Small Business Strong is a podcast sharing the real stories behind small business owners—the struggles, setbacks, victories, and lessons that shaped them into the people they are today.

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating, and share it with someone who could use the encouragement.

 Business inquiries, guest recommendations, or questions:
[email protected]

#SmallBusinessStrong #MAGFeeders #JamesReed #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #Faith #BusinessOwner #Leadership #Perseverance #HuntingIndustry #KeepADiggin #FounderStory

What does it really take to own a successful small business?

In this episode of Small Business Strong, I sit down with Andrew Plagens, owner of Aluminum Alloys, to discuss what it’s like to buy an established business instead of starting one from scratch.

Andrew shares why he chose business ownership, the freedom it has created for his family, the unexpected challenges he’s faced, and the lessons he’s learned leading a company in the aluminum industry. Whether you’re thinking about buying a business, becoming an entrepreneur, or you’re already running a company, this conversation is packed with honest insights about the highs and lows of ownership.

In this episode, we cover:
• Why Andrew decided to buy an existing business
• The freedom and responsibility that come with entrepreneurship
• Challenges every business owner should expect
• Leadership and decision-making under pressure
• The future of the aluminum industry and where Andrew sees the company going

If you’re an entrepreneur, aspiring business owner, or simply enjoy hearing real stories from people building great companies, this episode is for you.

Like this video if you enjoyed the conversation.

Leave a comment with your biggest takeaway.

Subscribe for weekly conversations with entrepreneurs, tradespeople, and business owners who are building something meaningful.

Should homeowners buy their own materials, or should the contractor handle it?

In this episode of Small Business Strong, we break down when homeowners should buy fixtures, tile, paint colors, and finishes — and when contractors should handle materials for better quality, durability, and fewer problems.

We also cover the biggest mistakes that cause delays, surprise costs, and frustration during remodeling projects.

If you’re a homeowner, DIYer, landlord, or contractor, this episode will help you save time, money, and headaches on your next project.

Questions or comments?
[email protected]

Handiwork Startup System-

https://handiwork.gumroad.com/l/HandiworkStartupSystem

Before you start your next paint project, these 7 simple painting tips can save you time, money, and frustration — and help your walls look cleaner, smoother, and more professional.
In this episode of Small Business Strong, I’m sharing practical painting advice every homeowner should know before picking up a brush or roller. Whether you’re painting one room, freshening up your house before selling, or trying to make your home look more valuable on a budget, the right process makes a huge difference.
A good paint job is not just about picking a color. It’s about choosing the right sheen, doing the prep work, cutting clean lines, rolling the right way, keeping a wet edge, using the right roller, and buying paint that actually covers well.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why choosing the right sheen matters before you start painting
- When to use flat, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss paint
- Why prep work is what makes a paint job look professional
- Why painter’s tape is not a complete painting strategy
- Why you should cut first, then roll
- How keeping a wet edge helps prevent paint lines and flashing
- Why an 18-inch roller can save time on large walls and rooms
- Why cheap paint can cost you more in the long run
If you’re a homeowner who wants better-looking walls without wasting time or money, this episode will help you avoid common DIY painting mistakes and get a cleaner, more consistent finish.
A professional-looking paint job comes down to patience, prep, and using the right process.
If you have questions, you can email me at:
[email protected]
Hosted by John Lane
Small Business Strong

Got burning homeowner questions? In this Q&A episode of Small Business Strong, handyman and home improvement expert John Lane draws on years of field experience to answer the questions he hears most. From cheap upgrades that actually add value, to spotting a trustworthy contractor, pulling permits, knowing what to fix first, and decoding those cracks in your drywall — this episode is packed with real, actionable advice. No fluff, just straight talk from someone who’s been in the trenches. Perfect for first-time homeowners and seasoned homeowners alike.

Most homeowners assume a 4.9-star contractor with hundreds of reviews must be trustworthy. But in today’s world of fake review farms, review gating, and reputation manipulation, that rating may not mean what you think it does.

In this episode of Small Business Strong, John Lane explains how online reviews are being manipulated in the home service industry and gives homeowners practical ways to protect themselves before hiring a contractor.

You’ll learn:

• How fake contractor reviews work
• The biggest red flags homeowners miss
• Why negative reviews can actually be a good sign
• How to properly vet a handyman or contractor
• Why personal referrals still beat algorithms

This episode is for homeowners, small business owners, and anyone trying to avoid costly contractor mistakes.

May is your last chance.

Every June, phones start blowing up with emergency calls that could’ve been prevented with a few simple steps in May. In this episode, I walk you through a practical checklist to get your home ready before the Texas heat hits.

We cover:

• Why your AC system needs attention NOW (not in June)
• How your attic could be silently driving up your energy bill
• Easy fixes for windows, doors, and weatherstripping that actually make a difference
• Foundation warning signs most homeowners miss
• Outdoor systems

If you’re a homeowner, this episode can save you time and money.

Pick one thing from this list and knock it out this weekend.

If this helps you, share it with a neighbor. Someone on your street needs to hear it.

Learn how to start a handyman business step-by-step—even with no experience—and how to realistically grow.
In this episode of Small Business Strong, I break down exactly how to get your first jobs, what tools you actually need, how to price your work, and how to build momentum fast.
No fluff—just real-world advice from running a handyman business every day.
⸻
 What you’ll learn:
• How to get your first handyman jobs
• What tools you actually need
• How to price jobs (not hourly)
• How to build trust and get referrals

If you’re thinking about starting your own handyman business, check out my Handiwork Startup System — a simple step-by-step guide to launching a referral-based handyman company.

https://handiwork.gumroad.com/l/HandiworkStartupSystem

Connect with Small Business Strong:

Email: ⁠[email protected]

Not every fence needs to be replaced—but not every fence should be repaired either.

In this episode, I break down how to tell the difference so you don’t waste money making the wrong call. We cover when repair actually makes sense, when replacement is the smarter move, and how to think about cost, longevity, and long-term value.

If you’re dealing with a leaning, aging, or damaged fence, this will help you make the right decision the first time.

Homes require constant maintenance—but the real issue isn’t maintenance… it’s what gets ignored.In this episode of Small Business Strong, I break down the top 5 things I personally see causing serious (and expensive) damage in homes—the stuff most homeowners don’t even realize is a problem until it’s too late.This isn’t theory. This is what I see every week in real houses.🔧 What We Cover:

1. Drywall CracksWhen they’re normal vs when they’re a problemWhy foundation movement is expectedWhy cracks over 1/4” matterIt’s not just the crack—it’s how fast it’s changing2. Foundation Corners (Slab Homes)Why corners show problems firstWhat cracks to look forSigns like doors not closing properly3. Toilets & Hidden LeaksBad wax rings (smell = problem)Silent leaks you won’t notice until damage is doneBidet attachments and why they can flood a house4. Water Issues (Biggest Money Killer)How to check your water meter for hidden leaksWhy every homeowner should have a water meter keyWater heater checks + why you should drain it yearly5. Baseboards = Early Warning SystemSwelling, discoloration, or separationOne of the easiest ways to catch a leak early⚠️ What to Watch For:Problems getting worse over timeAny signs of moisture or waterMovement (shifting, cracking, separating)🛠️ When to Call a Handyman vs a Specialist:Cosmetic issues → HandymanStructural or major water issues → Specialist💡 Bottom Line:Most problems in a home are normal.But ignoring the wrong ones… is what gets expensive.If you’re a homeowner and want to avoid costly repairs, this episode will save you money.