Russell Birk, owner of Maya’s Modern Mediterranean, joins Small Business Strong to talk about the reality of building a high-quality Mediterranean restaurant — and do what it takes to make it work.Before opening Maya’s, Russell worked in finance. He analysed restaurant financials, studied turnaround strategies for them, and identified other tactics that weren't being capitalized on. He saw the numbers, the margins, the failures, and the operational mistakes from the inside. He understood what made restaurants succeed — and what caused them to collapse — long before he ever opened his own doors.That experience shaped his approach to Maya’s.In this episode, we talk about how his vision for clean, high-quality Mediterranean food became a real business — and why he refuses to lower standards even when the industry pressures you to cut corners.Last year, one of Maya’s locations closed. Russell shares what happened, what he learned, and how he processed the setback. Instead of retreating, he doubled down on discipline, structure, and long-term thinking.We cover:• His background in finance and restaurant acquisitions• What most people misunderstand about the restaurant business• The financial realities of operating a high-quality restaurant• Why standards matter — especially when margins get tight• Lessons from closing a location• His mindset that failure is not an option• Plans to open new Maya’s locations• How someone can start a restaurant todayThis is a conversation about execution — not just ideas. About turning a vision into something tangible. And about staying committed when the numbers, the pressure, and the setbacks test you.If you’re building a business, thinking about opening a restaurant, or sitting on a dream you haven’t executed yet — this episode is for you.Small Business Strong features entrepreneurs who are actively building in their communities.Subscribe for weekly conversations with business owners in the trenches.

In this episode, I sit down with my wife, Audrey Lane, to talk about how she started a vintage resale shop with zero dollars.

We break down exactly how she got started — including finding items on the side of the road, sourcing for free, and turning everyday finds into real income. This is one of the most flexible jobs you can do: no boss, no schedule, and no office. You can work for yourself and list items from anywhere — even the bathtub.

We talk through the pros of resale: freedom, flexibility, low risk, and the ability to start immediately without capital. Most importantly, Audrey shares what someone needs to know if they’re thinking about starting a vintage resale shop of their own and want a realistic, approachable way to begin.

If you’ve ever thought about reselling, flipping, or starting a small business without money, this episode will show you how simple it can be to get started.

In this episode of Small Business Strong, I sit down with Chandler Wakefield, founder of Wakefield Woodworking, to talk through the real path of building a professional woodworking business from the ground up—starting with just $1,500 in tools.

Chandler shares how he got his start working alongside his father-in-law, learning the ropes of the trade the hard way and developing the skills, discipline, and standards required to make woodworking more than just a hobby. We talk about the early foundation that experience gave him, and how it shaped the way he approaches both craftsmanship and business today.

Before woodworking, Chandler was on a very different path—planning to become a doctor, then moving into medical sales, and hitting a few bumps along the way. We talk honestly about those transitions, the uncertainty, and what it looks like to pivot without losing momentum.

Now roughly five years in, Chandler is growing, reinvesting in new equipment, and aiming for $500,000 in revenue this year. This conversation is about patience, learning, reinvestment, and building something sustainable—one decision at a time.

If you’re in the trades, considering a pivot, or trying to build a real business with your hands and your name on the line, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I sit down with Nick Gainey of Lone Star Threads to talk through his journey of starting and growing a T-shirt and embroidery business from the ground up. Nick shares the risks he took early on and what it really looks like to build something before the success ever shows up.

We also talk about Nick’s decision to purchase a painting company using an SBA loan, what stepping into ownership has been like after an acquisition, and their German Shepherd breeding operation, Reinberg German Shepherd.

Throughout the conversation, we discuss faith, rest, and the reality of how demanding the early stages of business can be — especially before you hire help and you’re carrying everything yourself. This episode offers an honest look at entrepreneurship, responsibility, and building strong foundations both at work and at home.

Connect with Nick

• Lone Star Threads

Instagram: @lsthreads

Facebook: Lone Star Threads

• Hutch-N-Son’s Painting

Facebook: Hutch-N-Son Painting

• Reinberg German Shepherd

Instagram: @reinberggermanshepherds

Facebook: Reinberg German Shepherds

Contact the Show

For questions, guest inquiries, or sponsorships:

[email protected]

Handiwork Startup System

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

In this episode, I sit down with Joseph Arze, co-owner of Harp & Bowl Coffee Co., a specialty coffee company based here in Rockwall, Texas. We talk about Joseph’s upbringing, his time at Dallas Baptist University, and the experiences — including a formative trip to Guatemala — that helped shape his path toward entrepreneurship.

Joseph shares what it was really like to start Harp & Bowl, the challenges of building a business from the ground up, and how faith and values influence the way he approaches leadership, operations, and long-term growth. We also walk through the coffee supply chain, from growers and exporters to roasting and distribution, and discuss what actually works — and doesn’t work — when it comes to marketing a product-based business.

This conversation offers practical insight and perspective for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, craft-based businesses, or building a company with purpose and discipline. It’s an honest look at what it takes to build something thoughtfully and sustainably.

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Connect with Joseph / Harp & Bowl Coffee Co.:

Website: www.harpandbowlcoffee.com

Instagram: harpandbowlcoffee.co

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Connect with Small Business Strong:

Email: [email protected]

Handiwork Startup System

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

In this episode, I sit down with Kalin Seamans, owner of Revelation Electrical Services here in Rockwall, Texas. We talk about how he built his electrical business, the lessons he learned from starting two other businesses that didn’t work out, and how relationships and referrals have become the foundation of the way he serves people today.

Kalin shares what it looks like to rebuild after failure, stay grounded in faith, and run a business where integrity and consistency matter just as much as technical skill. His story is honest, encouraging, and packed with practical takeaways for anyone trying to grow a business the right way.

This conversation is full of real-world wisdom for small business owners who want to work with purpose and build something that lasts.

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Connect with Kalin / Revelation Electrical Services:

Website: https://www.revelationelectricalservices.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RevelationElectricalServices

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Connect with Small Business Strong:

Email: [email protected]

Handiwork Startup System

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

In this episode, I sit down with Bill Lucas, owner of Your Garage Door Guys and a local pastor in the Rockwall area. We talk about how he started his business, what it takes to serve people well, and how faith influences the way we work, lead, and handle challenges in everyday life.

Bill shares lessons from balancing business, ministry, family, and community — and how choosing to operate with integrity can shape the entire culture of a business.

This conversation is full of practical wisdom for anyone building something that matters.

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Connect with Bill / Your Garage Door Guys:

Website: https://yourgdguys.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourgdguys/

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Connect with Small Business Strong:

Email: [email protected]

Handiwork Startup System

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

Welcome to Small Business Strong!

I'm your host, John Lane, a small business owner, and every episode, I sit down with business owners who've taken an idea and turned it into reality.

So get ready to join me on some insightful conversations with my amazing guests.

Have an idea for a business you'd like to hear? Email John at [email protected]

Handiwork Startup System

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