How do you start a successful deer feed company?

In this episode of Small Business Strong, I sit down with Marlon (Catfish) and Willa Glover, founders of MTX, to talk about what it really looks like to build a business while keeping God at the center.

We discuss the lessons God taught them before their company began to grow, the importance of serving customers well, what makes MTX different, and the challenges every entrepreneur faces when quitting seems easier than pressing on. They also share how marriage, faith, and business work together, the mistakes they’ve learned from, and what they hope their legacy will be when it’s all said and done.

Whether you’re building a business, leading a family, or simply trying to be faithful where God has you today, this conversation is full of practical wisdom and encouragement.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with another entrepreneur.

Connect with MTX:

https://www.facebook.com/MTXtrailmix

https://www.instagram.com/mtxtrailmix/

Follow Small Business Strong:

Instagram: @smallbusinessstrongpodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmallBusinessStrong

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/small-business-strong/id1847801374

Join the Small Business Strong Community

Want to go behind the scenes and be part of the show? Join Small Business Strong on Patreon for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes updates, and opportunities to help shape future episodes and submit questions for upcoming guests.

Become a member:

⁠ https://www.patreon.com/cw/SmallBusinessStrong⁠

How do you start a successful fish farm?

In Episode 23 of Small Business Strong, I sit down with Mike Freeze, owner of Keo Fish Farms, to hear the story of how he purchased a fish farm and helped grow it into one of the leading aquaculture businesses in the country.

Mike shares the challenges of buying an established business, growing it over decades, adapting to industry changes, and producing hybrid striped bass and triploid grass carp. We also discuss leadership, customer relationships, hiring great people, long-term decision-making, and the lessons he’s learned after nearly 50 years in the aquaculture industry.

Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind successful companies, this episode is packed with practical business wisdom from someone who has built a lasting legacy.

In this episode:

• How Mike Freeze bought Keo Fish Farms
• Growing a fish farm into an industry leader
• The business of aquaculture
• Producing hybrid striped bass and triploid grass carp
• Leadership and long-term business growth
• Lessons learned from nearly 50 years in business
• Advice for the next generation of entrepreneurs

About Small Business Strong

Small Business Strong is the podcast where successful entrepreneurs share the real stories behind the businesses they’ve built—the wins, the setbacks, and the lessons learned along the way. If you enjoy honest conversations with business owners and want practical insights you can apply to your own journey, be sure to follow the show and share this episode with another entrepreneur.

Join the Small Business Strong Community

Want to go behind the scenes and be part of the show? Join Small Business Strong on Patreon for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes updates, and opportunities to help shape future episodes and submit questions for upcoming guests.

Become a member: 

https://www.patreon.com/cw/SmallBusinessStrong

How do you start a boat building company?

In this episode of Small Business Strong, I sit down with Louis Perrero, founder of South Dade Skiffs, to hear the story behind one of the most unique skiff manufacturers in the country.

Louis opens up about:-How South Dade Skiffs got its name-His life before sobriety-Working as a deckhand on luxury yachts-The painful fishing accident that put a hook through his leg-Building his very first fiberglass boat-The financial risk of creating his first mold and launching a company-What he’d do if he had to rebuild everything from scratch-The legacy he hopes to leave behind.

This isn’t just a conversation about boats—it’s about resilience, craftsmanship, second chances, and what it really takes to build something meaningful. If you’re an entrepreneur, outdoorsman, fisherman, or someone chasing a dream, this episode is for you.👍

If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who loves small business and the outdoors.

Connect with South Dade Skiffs on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/southdadeskiff

Join the Small Business Strong Community

Want to go behind the scenes and be part of the show? Join Small Business Strong on Patreon for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes updates, and opportunities to help shape future episodes and submit questions for upcoming guests.

Become a member: 

⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/SmallBusinessStrong⁠

How do you start a duck call company?

In this episode of Small Business Strong, I sit down with Joey D’Amico, founder of Tekton Game Calls, to discuss faith, entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, and the importance of keeping your identity rooted in Christ rather than your career.

Joey shares the story behind Tekton Game Calls, explains the biblical meaning of the name “Tekton,” and talks about using his business as a platform to share the gospel. We also discuss the pride God had to strip away in his life, what has allowed Tekton to stand out in the outdoor industry, and the difficult seasons that shaped him into the man he is today.

Whether you’re building a business, pursuing excellence in your craft, or simply seeking to honor God through your work, this conversation is full of practical wisdom and encouragement.

• The story behind Tekton Game Calls
• Why your identity should never be your business
• Sharing the gospel through entrepreneurship
• Faith, family, and business priorities
• Building products with excellence
• Standing out in a competitive industry
• Rebuilding a business from scratch
• Legacy, fatherhood, and following Christ

Connect with Joey & Tekton Game Calls:

Website: https://www.tektongamecalls.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tektongamecalls
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TektonGameCalls

For guest recommendations, sponsorship opportunities, or business inquiries:

 [email protected]

If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow Small Business Strong on Spotify and leave a rating. Every follow and review helps us reach more entrepreneurs who are striving to build successful businesses without compromising what matters most.

Join the Small Business Strong Community

Want to go behind the scenes and be part of the show? Join Small Business Strong on Patreon for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes updates, and opportunities to help shape future episodes and submit questions for upcoming guests.

Become a member: 

⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/SmallBusinessStrong⁠⁠

How do you start a deer feeder company?

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]

Join the Small Business Strong Community

Want to go behind the scenes and be part of the show? Join Small Business Strong on Patreon for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes updates, and opportunities to help shape future episodes and submit questions for upcoming guests.

Become a member: 

⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/SmallBusinessStrong⁠⁠

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.

Join the Small Business Strong Community

Want to go behind the scenes and be part of the show? Join Small Business Strong on Patreon for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes updates, and opportunities to help shape future episodes and submit questions for upcoming guests.

Become a member: 

⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/SmallBusinessStrong⁠⁠

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.