Small Business War Stories by Pablo Fuentes

11.21.2019

Armadillo Guitar: Making a Living with Custom Brass and Steel Guitar Parts in Austin, Texas | Michael Slotboom

Michael Slotboom is doing things on his terms. He was on track to run the machine shop at the University of Texas, but he discovered he really wanted to make custom guitar parts. So he talked to his wife and...

11.15.2019

Firefly Austin Studio: Making Music, Records, and Community in Austin, Texas | Erin O'Keefe

Erin O'Keefe is the kind of woman that sees a vision and makes it happen. She learned about what makes a great recording studio...and then built one! What amazing artists is she recording these days? How do you even build...

11.07.2019

Big Henry's Vinyl and Gifts: Purveyors of Music, Records, and Culture in Austin, Texas | Grace Reyer

Grace Reyer and Big Henry's Vinyl and Gifts are at the epicenter of Austin music and culture. How did Grace and up with her dream job? What's the importance of self-care when managing a small business? All of this and...

10.30.2019

Visit Clarksdale, Mississippi: Promoting Visitors and Business in the Birthplace of the Blues | Bubba O'Keefe

Bubba O'Keefe has the spirit of the Mississippi Delta running through his veins. What stories does he have to tell about the Crossroads? Why is Clarksdale a great place to visit and/or start a business? And what are the kinds...

10.24.2019

Auberge Hostel: Starting a Hostel on the Blues Highway in Clarksdale, Mississippi | Robert Weinstein

Clarksdale, Mississippi is home to the world-famous Crossroads...where Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his guitar chops. Why did Robert and Lucy decide to start a hostel in Clarksdale after succeeding with their property in...

10.17.2019

Alligator Records Part 2 of 2: Building a Legendary Blues Record Label in Chicago, Illinois | Bruce Iglauer

And...this week we wrap up the amazing story of Alligator Records. There's even more music in this episode, courtesy of Bruce and Alligator. We also cover the most harrowing and dramatic story we have heard on the podcast to date,...

10.10.2019

Alligator Records Part 1 of 2: Building a Legendary Blues Record Label in Chicago, Illinois | Bruce Iglauer

So many firsts in this episode! First time we have had music in the podcast. First time the conversation was so good and so long that we had to break it up into two episodes. How did Bruce get started...

10.03.2019

Roadhouse Relics: Making Art with Neon in Austin, Texas | Todd Sanders

Todd Sanders always knew he wanted to be an artist. He get into making neon signs, and he developed a clientele of businesses who sought him for commercial signs. But Todd wanted more...he wanted to make fine art with neon....

09.25.2019

Timeless Texas Classics: Selling and Restoring Classic Cars and Hot Rods in La Grange, Texas | Lance Herrington

Lance Herrington found himself in a tough place when Houston, in his words, collapsed in the 1980s, and he was out of a job. He picked himself up by the bootstraps, and together with his wife Pam, they started a...

09.19.2019

Lucktone Woodshop: From a Desk job to Making Custom Furniture in Austin, Texas | Britton Byfield

Britton was unsure he wanted to continue his job in digital media. And then came his biggest blessing in disguise: he was laid off. He started making cutting boards as a way to make money over the holidays, and that...

09.12.2019

It's On Clothing: Spreading a Message of Positivity through Designing and Making Clothes in Wichita, Kansas | DaVon Walker

DaVon Walker wanted to see positive, sleek, motivational clothing designs, and no matter how hard he looked, he could not find what he had in mind. So he did what entrepreneurs do...he made the clothes himself! We meet DaVon two...

09.05.2019

The Commodore Hotel: Investing in History by Helping Revitalize a Community in Linden, Tennessee | Michael and Kathy Dumont

Michael and Kathy Dumont made a big bet by moving from New England to Tennessee. They bet that they could buy and revitalize a historic hotel in a small Tennessee town. What happened after The Commodore Hotel opened? How many...

08.29.2019

Carter Vintage Guitars: Creating an Iconic Guitar Store in Nashville, Tennessee | Walter Carter

Walter Carter and his wife Christie spent decades working in the vintage guitar business...and they had a vision. It was a vision of a guitar store where kids and internationally-renowned musicians alike could feel comfortable playing and appreciating collectible stringed...

08.21.2019

Dee's Country Cocktail Lounge: Creating Community Through Live Music and a Down-Home Vibe in Madison, Tennessee | Amy Dee and Daniel Walker

Amy Dee got to Nashville and could not find what she wanted: A no-frills spot with a vintage vibe to listen to great country and blues music. So she used all of her experience working in bars in New York...

08.15.2019

A Podcaster Talks About the Business of Podcasting in Indianapolis, Indiana | Lindsey Hein

Lindsey Hein is the awesome host of "I'll Have Another with Lindsey Hein, a successful podcast about running. We talk about what it takes to make it as a podcaster, but her lessons are applicable to all creators, small businesses,...

08.08.2019

Sitting Down with Coach: Learning From a Small Business Expert in Plymouth, Indiana | David Miller

David Miller has decades of experience coaching small businesses, and he has seen a LOT. Today's episode is like sitting down with Coach...you will get decades of experience in under an hour....and you'll want to have a notepad! How do...

07.31.2019

Hopping Gnome Brewing: Brewing Sour (and other) Beers, Promoting Local, and Creating Community in Wichita, Kansas | Stacy Ward Lattin

What, exactly, is an HBIC? I didn't know until I met Stacy Ward Lattin, THE HBIC at Hopping Gnome. What are Stacy and her husband doing right in the increasingly exciting Wichita scene? What is Stacy's podcast about, and what...

07.24.2019

The Bluebird Cafe: Crafting Community Through Songwriting in Nashville, Tennessee | Erika Nichols

How did a small cafe in a strip mall in Nashville become a mecca for songwriters? What happened that changed the fortunes of the Bluebird from barely surviving to thriving? (hint: it was a major TV show). Which major celebrities...

07.17.2019

Delmark Records: Carrying on the Legacy of a Legendary Blues and Jazz Label in Chicago, Illinois | Julia Miller

Julia Miller is a badass woman. Together with her partner Elbio, Julia is carrying forward the legacy of Delmark Records, an iconic Chicago label. What are the challenges of being a record label in the 21st century? What are Julia's...

07.10.2019

Fringe Sport: Barbells, Strength, and Growing Through Self-Awareness in Austin, Texas | Peter Keller

What inspired Peter to start a fitness equipment business? What are the books that Peter reads and the actions that Peter takes to help him discover his own blind spots? How did Peter overcome a painful change in his business...

07.03.2019

Brian Phillips Art: Channeling the Soul of Texas and Making Art From Discarded Materials in Austin, Texas | Brian Phillips

What was Brian's journey to become a successful artist? How did he end up selling his pieces at Willie Nelson's ranch? How does Brian make sure he has something to offer to people with any level of budget? All of...

06.26.2019

Stone's Throw Pizza: Good Food, Community, Self-Care, and Mental Health in the Restaurant Industry in Fairfax, Vermont | Silas Pollitt

What makes Silas Pollitt want to uproot everything and move every few years? What are the differences between working at high-end restaurants and starting your own pizza restaurant in a town of 5,000 people in Northern Vermont? What is it...

06.19.2019

Chicago Music Exchange: Running a Successful Musical Instrument Store for Rock Stars and Everyday People in Chicago, Illinois | Shelby Pollard and Karl Neurater

Chicago Music Exchange has become an institution and a destination for guitar fans visiting The Windy City. How did CME get here? How is the store surviving and thriving in an era where more and more people are buying instruments...

06.13.2019

Blues Heaven Foundation: Keeping the Legacy of Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Etta James, and Chess Records Alive in Chicago, Illinois | Janine Judge and Jacqueline Dixon

Wow! We recorded an episode in the same room where Etta James recorded At Last...a new high for the show! What is Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven Foundation? Why did the Rolling Stones record their iconic record 12 x 5 in...

06.06.2019

Andrea's Eats: Connecting Food and Soul Through a Food Truck in Cedar Park, Texas | Andrea Morris

I finally got to interview a food truck owner! And what a show it was...so much gold in this one. Why leave your well-paying job to start a food truck? What makes is worthwhile? What are pitfalls to watch for?...

05.29.2019

Wide Sky Guitars: From Touring Musician and Carpenter to Building Guitars with a Soul in Taos, New Mexico | Patch Rubin

Why was cutting part of his finger off a positive turning point for Patch Rubin? Why do Thom Yorke of Radiohead, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day and Gary Clark, Jr. love Wide Sky Guitars? This episode follows Patch's path...

05.21.2019

Atomic Legion: Helping Everyday People with Emergency Response, Firearms, and General Survival and Preparedness Training in Austin, Texas | Justin Hurzeler

Have you ever wondered what you would do if you or your loved ones were harmed and needed your help? Would you be an asset or a liability? Justin Hurzeler and his partners started Atomic Legion to help regular people...

05.16.2019

GoodWood NOLA: Growing a Custom Furniture Design and Fabrication Shop in New Orleans, Louisiana | Michael Dalle Molle and Jordan Gurren

We are excited to have Mike and Jordan back on the show! Two years ago, we sat down with the founders of GoodWood NOLA to talk about their growing shop and the way they are impacting the custom furniture design...

05.08.2019

Grande Krewe Wine Store: Building Community Through Music, Wine, and Spirits in New Orleans, Louisiana | Jane Cooper and Bob Heaps

Jane and Bob went through a lot to open their high-end wine and spirits shop just steps from Frenchmen St. in New Orleans. What happened that almost derailed their opening? What amazing musicians have played the stories Steinway piano in...

05.02.2019

RevuKangaroo: Growing Your Business Using the Power of Reputation and Reviews in Phoenix, Arizona | Josh Kelly

Josh used his marketing chops to grow his family's HVAC business into a multi-million dollar operation. How did he do it? How did he use reviews to power his growth? Josh teaches you all of his secrets and shares his...

04.24.2019

Building Community Through Music and Real Estate in Austin, Texas | Nic and Diane Atwood

Nic and Diane Atwood are serious about real estate in Austin. They work closely with their clients and they help people find special opportunities and off-market properties. They are also awesome people, and connect the community through a weekly open...

04.17.2019

Square Amps: Making Guitar Amplifiers out of Old Radios in Austin, Texas | Matt Richards

Matt Richards takes old wooden radios from the early 20th century and turns them into guitar amplifiers. We sat down with Matt at a special time in his journey....he is making the leap to Square Amps being his full-time pursuit....

04.11.2019

SouthPop: Music, Art, and the History of Popular Culture in Austin, Texas | Leea Mechling

SouthPop is an Austin institution! The South Austin Museum of Popular Culture is a funky, colorful, and amazing non-profit. Leea Mechling and her team serve as keepers of the torch for the history of popular culture in Austin, a city...

04.03.2019

Texas Custom Boots: Building Boots and Community in Austin, Texas | Noel Escobar

Noel Escobar is a craftsman and bootmaker in Austin, Texas. He was born into the trade in South Texas, and has established himself as a presence in Austin for decades. Why do celebrities and everyday people from all over the...

03.27.2019

Getting Out of Our Own Way as Creators | Nick Boettcher

What a special episode! Colorado whiskey, great conversation, and an original song at the end. Th podcast itself was fantastic, and talked about dealing with the psychology of the blank page, getting out of our own way, and how to...

03.20.2019

Big Ear Pedals: From Making Guitar Pedals in a NYC Apartment to Growing a Music Business in Nashville | Grant Wilson and Karen Schierhorn

Grant and Karen are living the dream. And they also have their struggles, like all of us. In this episode, they share their story of how they became an in-demand guitar pedal company. From Grant's days as a touring drummer,...

03.13.2019

Moontower Matcha: Starting a Beverage Company and Experimenting with Influencer Marketing | Brett Hickey

Brett and his brother just won't give up. When their original idea for a drink had to be shelved because of a prohibitive required volume, they came up with another concept and successfully launched Moontower Matcha. We talk about matcha...

03.06.2019

Action Advertising Agency: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Small Business Facebook Advertising | Casey Carroll

Casey Carroll is really, really good at facebook ads. And it can be a complicated, overwhelming world. In this episode, we dissect how to figure out what is important for you to get started with Facebook ads for your small...

02.27.2019

MeasurementMarketing.io: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Digital Marketing for Small Businesses | Chris Mercer

Mercer is the man! You'll be really impressed by his story of constant reinvention and learning, but that's not all. Mercer will help you understand how to start demystifying online marketing, so you can start really making your marketing work...

02.20.2019

Two Hives Honey: Bees and The Business of Honey in Austin, Texas | Tara Dawn Chapman

Tara Dawn Chapman went from being a CIA agent to cold-emailing a bee farm. The email included her squat and deadlift numbers (beekeeping is hard work!). The rest, as they say, is history. Tara launched Two Hives Honey by putting...

02.13.2019

The Wizard Academy: Storytelling, Business, and Magic at The World's Most Unique Business School | Daniel Whittington

Today's episode is nothing short of magical. I sat down with Daniel Whittington, the new Chancellor of The Wizard Academy. We talk storytelling, business, and what it means to run a business school that tackles business from the right side...

02.06.2019

Nomad: Making Art out of Old Objects and Light Bulbs and Traveling the Country to Sell at Art Shows | Mick Whitcomb

Mick Whitcomb takes old objects like typewriters and scales and makes funky awesome light fixtures out of them. His wife Paige makes beautiful tintype photography. Mick and Paige spend 300 days on the road with their dog, going to different...

01.30.2019

Jeremiah's Photo Corner: Running an Analog Photography Store And Making Money As A Tintype Photographer in Santa Rosa, California | Jeremiah Flynn

Film cameras? Who shoots film cameras? It turns out an increasing number of people are becoming interested in film as an art medium and as a way to slow down an appreciate photography. Jeremiah Flynn talks about his store where...

01.23.2019

Calton Cases: Making Beautiful and Near-Indestructible Guitar Cases in Austin, Texas | Robert Steel

What would happen to your guitar if it got run over by a truck? Nothing, as long as it was in Calton case. Robert Steel tells us exactly what happened and what the guitar and the case looked like after...

01.16.2019

Company of One: How to Create a Business That Fits Your Life and Resist the Temptation of Constant Growth | Paul Jarvis

Paul Jarvis just wrote a book called "Company of One" and sent me a copy. I read it cover to cover and found it really compelling, so we hosted him on the show. Paul talks about a different kind of...

01.09.2019

Karacotta Ceramics: How to Manifest Your Business Outcome and get to $100k Income in One Year in Austin, Texas | Kara Pendl

Kara is amazing. Do you want to learn how you can take your art and turn it into a business that makes $100k annually within one year? Kara has the blueprint! She is also writing a book about it, and...

01.02.2019

Luck Reunion: Growing from a Party at Willie Nelson's Ranch to a New Kind of Music and Content Company in Luck, Texas | Matt Bizer and Ellee Fletcher

Did Bill Murray really climb through the window of Willie Nelson's chapel during Luck Reunion? This is the 100th episode of Small Business War Stories, and this is the perfect way to celebrate, with an episode recorded at Willie Nelson's...

12.26.2018

Jester King Brewery: Making Farmhouse Ales in the Heart of the Hill Country near Austin, Texas | Jeffrey Stuffings

Jeffrey Stuffings left his job as an attorney to make farmhouse ales, a specialty form of beer in the Texas Hill Country right outside of Austin. He shared the formation story of his iconic brewery, and gave some amazing business...

12.19.2018

The Ultimate Guide to Getting Your Business UNStuck | Barry Moltz

Barry Moltz has started three companies, written six books, and done innumerable articles and radio shows on small business. It's fair to say he has learned a thing or two about how to help small businesses! Today we discuss the...

12.12.2018

Double Barrel Design: Merging Architecture and Design to Form a New Venture in Austin, Texas | Megan Willin and Chelsea Scharbach

Two badass designer women got together in Austin, Texas to create Double Barrel Design. Megan Willin and Chelsea Scharbach merged their skills to create a firm that does space design (think 3D and architectural interior design) with 2D graphic design....

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