Small Town Big Business podcast with guest co-hosts Alison Hasler and Russell Williams interviews Aicy Munsell, owner of M.A's Filipino Cuisine in Marion, Illinois. Icy shares how she moved from the Philippines at 21, started the business as a food truck during COVID in 2020 because Filipino food was missing locally, and later opened a restaurant now in its fifth year. She explains Filipino cuisine as a unique blend of influences (including Chinese and Spanish), notes it’s generally not spicy, and highlights popular items like lumpia, chicken adobo, and a top-selling spicy pork belly adobo. The discussion covers sampling to help new customers, made-in-house items sold in a small grocery cooler area, catering options up to 250 people, marketing via Facebook, Google and reviews, and the challenges of getting customers in the door while relying on family and a chef for support.00:00 Podcast Welcome Sponsors00:49 Meet Guest Host Alison01:11 Introducing Aicy Munsell01:49 From Food Truck To Restaurant02:56 Why Start During COVID06:14 Filipino Cuisine Basics08:03 Menu Tips Samples Fusion09:33 How The Kitchen Runs10:48 Team Culture Hospitality16:19 Making Marion Home18:34 Serving The Filipino Community19:57 In Store Grocery Corner20:09 House Made Menu20:55 Local Grocery Partners21:20 Catering Options22:34 Unexpected Best Sellers24:02 Restaurant Challenges25:54 Marketing And Reviews27:25 Serving Students29:48 Supporting Local Eats30:27 Advice For New Owners32:08 Hours And Workload34:55 Why She Keeps Going35:46 Finding Filipino Community36:58 Final Thanks And Wrap Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://www.facebook.com/m.a.sfilipinocuisine/?tsid=0.12392617292112218&source=result&_rdrSPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:Watermark Auto Group: https://www.watermark.auto/Fowler Heating & Cooling: https://fowlerheatingandcooling.com/Swinford Media Group: https://swinfordpublications.com/Arcadia Wealth Group: https://www.raymondjames.com/arcadiawealthgroupBanterra Bank: https://www.banterra.bank/Southern Illinois Now: https://southernillinoisnow.org/Produced by Union Street Artshttps://www.unionstreetarts.com/Russell Williams: https://www.facebook.com/RussellDeanWilliams/Jennifer Olson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferolson618/Deb Barnett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahrbarnett/#podcast #smalltown

Art Snacks: $5 Local Art Vending Machines Coming to Marion’s Civic CenterHosts Jennifer Olson (City of Marion) and Russell Williams (Ethos) welcome back Jennifer Colboth of Bits and Pieces Art & Antiques, now located at 204 Tower Square Plaza sharing space with Milkweed Provisions. Colboth discusses receiving an Illinois Arts Council grant to launch Art Snacks, a $5 art vending machine program featuring work from 20 local artists, with artists receiving the full vending amount; the first large machine will be placed at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center with a public launch event on April 12. The project also includes two small traveling machines to rotate through area businesses and Art Snacks Junior, low-cost art supplies and learning materials for kids, for which she is seeking family-friendly locations and donated supplies. Colboth invites artists, host sites, and donors to contact her via Facebook pages or email.00:00 Podcast Welcome01:22 Meet Jennifer Colboth02:16 Art Snacks Grant03:29 Vending Machine Details05:46 Launch Event Info06:23 How It Started08:39 Grant Application Lessons11:06 Traveling Machines Plan12:58 Art Snacks Junior14:22 Partners and Callouts16:07 Donations And Funding18:29 Kid Friendly Supply Range19:44 One Year Program Model21:20 Building An Art Community23:43 Showcasing Kids Creations25:08 Downtown Collaboration Spirit26:09 Rollout Dates And How To Help27:26 Contact Info And Store Hours28:55 Wrap Up And SponsorsRecorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063552012481

Dayempur Herbals & Midwest Medical Thermography: Natural Health Businesses Growing in Southern IllinoisOn the Small Town Big Business podcast in Marion, Illinois, host Joe Kuski interviews Carbondale-based natural health entrepreneurs Anita Brown and Terry Hickey, who collaborate through DME Health Services, LLC. Brown runs Midwest Medical Thermography, a mobile digital infrared screening service focused on physiology and early detection of inflammation and disease, and also practices naturopathy/functional medicine through Radiant Functional Health. Hickey owns Dayempur Herbals, which grows and manufactures herbal supplements and personal care products at Dayempur Farm in Anna, Illinois, ships nationwide, and supports education through events and a new podcast, Healing Connections. They discuss building supportive practitioner networks, challenges of rural population density, and growing businesses organically with help from resources like ETHOS and the SBDC. Upcoming events include the Women’s Health Naturally Expo & Workshops (March 28, hormone balance theme), a Women’s Networking Breakfast (April 16), and an Herbal Medicine Workshop at Dayempur Farm (June 20).00:00 Podcast Welcome Sponsors00:50 Meet Today’s Guests02:09 Sister Businesses Collaboration04:29 Anita’s Origin Story06:04 Terry’s Herbal Journey08:24 Thermography Explained10:29 Mobile Scans Scheduling12:13 Barriers to Natural Healing16:48 Client Success Stories21:44 Thermography Age Breast Health24:19 Groovy Booby Breast Oils26:40 Men’s Health Hotspots28:01 Hawthorn Heart Support28:37 Bodybuilding Detox Concerns29:21 Why Southern Illinois30:58 Farm Grown Herb Operation32:27 Growing Beyond Local Limits34:35 Organic Business Growth37:36 Help With Admin Tasks39:46 Best Parts Of The Work41:39 How To Find Them43:36 Women’s Health Expo48:21 Women’s Networking Breakfast50:52 Herbal Workshop At The Farm52:59 Wrap Up And Sponsors

Reformed Design Co: Website Design, Organic Marketing, and Growing from Marion, IllinoisHosts Jennifer Olson and Russell Williams welcome Ben Childers of Reformed Design Co, a Marion, Illinois-based creative marketing agency specializing in website design, branding, and digital ads. Childers shares how he moved from an SIU marketing degree into small-business roles that grew into running marketing for four businesses, then launched Reform Design Co in 2023. He explains the company name’s roots in “always reforming,” discusses hiring his brother and using project-based help, and describes common website pitfalls like “build it and forget it,” emphasizing ongoing maintenance and regular updates. He outlines a marketing approach that prioritizes organic channels before paid ads, compares retail vs e-commerce customer loyalty, notes frustrations with platform support, recommends Alex Hormozi’s resources, and offers free 30-minute website audits at reformedco.com while aiming to expand local client work by 2026.00:00 Welcome and Sponsors00:50 Meet Ben and Reformed Design01:34 From SIU to Agency Founder03:03 Why the Name Reform04:07 Team and Website Focus05:24 Websites Need Maintenance06:48 Marketing Basics for Owners07:45 Organic First Social Strategy10:43 Onboarding and Leaky Bucket12:03 Entrepreneur Challenges and Learning14:31 Scaling Locally15:25 Delegating Coding Work16:40 AI Design Pitfalls18:06 Naming and SEO Basics20:15 Client Niches Split20:49 Retail vs Ecommerce23:16 Website Updates Matter24:39 Marketing Degree Advice28:26 Why and How to Connect30:00 Sponsors and Wrap UpRecorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://reformedco.com/

PTSD Service Dogs, Trauma Resilience, and Community Support in Southern IllinoisJennifer Olson and Russell Williams host Small Town Big Business from downtown Marion, Illinois, and welcome Malia (pronounced “Maria”) Nicks to discuss ThisABLE Veteran, a local nonprofit celebrating 15 years. Founded by Behesha Doan, a former police canine handler with over 40 years of experience, the organization trains and places PTSD service dogs nationwide at no cost to veterans. Dogs are purchased as puppies with at least five generations of service-dog lineage and trained for 18–24 months, then matched to veterans through a national application and interview process with an emphasis on the wellbeing of both the veteran and the dog.Nix explains the nonprofit’s Trauma Resilience Program: accepted veterans complete 10 weeks of weekly Zoom meetings with grounding and breathing techniques before arriving in Marion for a 21-day in-person stay on the organization’s acreage outside town. The program focuses on skill-building rather than retelling trauma, and the team coordinates with veterans’ clinicians. Service dogs are trained for anxiety alerts (e.g., responding to knee bouncing or jaw clenching) and nightmare interruption, with veterans taught movement and paced breathing to prevent escalation into flashbacks, rage, or other destructive outcomes.Behesha also operates Extreme Canine (public boarding and training) and created training academies to expand PTSD service-dog training nationally, including a basic academy and an annual masterclass requiring two years of experience. The episode covers how to distinguish legitimate service dogs from emotional support animals, including ADA access differences and the service dog’s focus and responsiveness to its handler.Nix shares her “chapter two” journey from business development roles in architecture, finance, and school partnerships in Dallas to studying social work, experiences with family caregiving through the VA system, and suicide awareness work after her 17-year-old nephew died by suicide. She joined This Able Veteran after being asked to support suicide-related needs for the DoD-funded program, observed life changes in veterans during 2023 sessions, and later became executive director, relocating from Texas to Southern Illinois.The hosts discuss what Nix appreciates about Southern Illinois, including community events like the Heroes United Concert, outdoor access, local amenities, and kindness from residents. The conversation ends with ways the community can support This ABLE Veteran now that Department of Defense funding was not allocated for the current year: donations, fundraisers, supplies via a Chewy wishlist, airline and hotel points to offset travel and housing, meal support for veterans during 21-day stays and four-day refreshers, and volunteering. The website is thisableveteran.org; the application portal reopens March 1. The organization is active on Facebook and Instagram, plans for TikTok, is on LinkedIn, and offers a quarterly electronic newsletter plus limited mailed updates. Sponsors and Ethos/City of Marion contact information are also shared.Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://thisableveteran.org/00:00 Welcome and Sponsors00:49 Meet Malia Nicks01:30 Mission and Service Dogs04:01 Trauma Resilience Program06:20 Bahaa Origins and Canine Expertise10:40 Grant Growth and Malia Journey17:28 Serving Veterans Nationwide18:18 Why Southern Illinois Feels Like Home21:39 Service Dog Legitimacy and Laws24:12 Spotting Real Service Dogs25:55 Handler Rights and Privacy26:43 Anxiety Alerts in Action29:19 Nightmare Interruption Tasks29:56 Best Breeds and Temperament31:29 Trainer Academies Nationwide32:46 Inside the Training Facility35:11 How the Community Can Help39:26 Support PTSD Without Judgment41:41 Stay Connected and Final Thanks

Building a Travel Empire: The Journey of Mindy's Miles Travel AgencyIn this episode of Small Town Big Business, hosts Jennifer Olson and Russell Williams interview Mindy Combs from Mindy's Miles Travel Agency in Marion, Illinois. Mindy shares her journey from working as a marketing director in banking to establishing a successful travel agency. She provides insights into the value of travel agents, the growth of her business despite challenges like COVID-19, and the importance of personalized customer service. Mindy also discusses her marketing strategies, team dynamics, and future aspirations. The episode emphasizes the significance of local support, community involvement, and the rewarding aspects of turning a passion into a thriving business.00:00 Welcome to Small Town Big Business00:11 Meet the Hosts: Jennifer and Russell01:34 Introducing Mindy Combs of Mindy's Miles Travel Agency01:54 The Journey from Banking to Travel Agency02:47 The Value of a Travel Agent05:58 Growing the Business and Team11:51 Marketing Strategies and Client Relationships13:35 Challenges and Learning Experiences17:45 Support and Inspiration18:22 Family Support and New Opportunities19:09 Networking with Other Advisors20:14 The Importance of FAM Trips21:44 The Hard Work Behind All-Inclusive Resorts22:54 The Rise of Cruise Vacations25:15 Challenges and Joys of Running a Travel Business27:15 Team Dynamics and Growth32:06 Handling Travel Disruptions34:03 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationRecorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://www.mindysmilestravelagency.com/

Reviving a Winery Dream: The Story of Clad & CordonIn this episode of Small Town Big Business, hosts Jennifer Olson and Russell Williams talk with Lacey Rado and Caleigh Hill. The story begins with the sisters’ surprising shift from their established careers to taking over an abandoned winery in Southern Illinois and transforming it into a vibrant business. They detail the restoration efforts including demolition, landscaping, and replanting vines. The conversation covers their operational roles, the challenges of establishing a winery in a remote location, and the importance of community connections. The episode also highlights their plans for entering the hard cider market and their dedication to making significant local contributions, from school sponsorships to organizing events. Additionally, they discuss mental shifts required for entrepreneurs and emphasize the value of adapting and continuously figuring things out. The sisters also point out the winery's efforts in creating a welcoming environment for families and pets, offering quality wines and beers, and ensuring accessibility for all visitors.00:00 Introduction and Hosts00:50 Meet the Guest Hosts01:07 Introducing the Winery Owners01:36 The Winery's History and Revival03:54 Family Background and Move to Southern Illinois08:16 Restoration and Renovation Efforts12:21 Business Challenges and Successes16:37 Roles and Responsibilities20:29 State Fair Marketing and Hospitality21:17 Award-Winning Wines22:15 Viticulture in Southern Illinois25:10 Local Connections and Community Involvement28:40 Events and Accessibility33:23 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship37:49 Future Plans and Offerings39:43 Conclusion and Contact InformationRecorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://www.cladandcordon.com/

Gilead Girls: Building a Tallow-Based Skincare Business from ScratchIn this episode of 'Small Town Big Business,' hosts Jennifer Olson and Russell Williams interview Abby Jurgens and Megan Adams from Gilead Girls, a small business that produces tallow-based skincare products. Abby and Megan share the origins of their business, which started as a solution to personal health issues and evolved into a popular brand. The conversation covers their product development process, sourcing local ingredients, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and their passion for educating others on the benefits of natural products. The episode also features exciting news about Gilead Girls taking over Good Life Nutrition in Marion, Illinois.00:00 Welcome to Small Town Big Business00:50 Meet Our Special Guests: Abby and Megan from Gilead Girls01:01 The Journey of Gilead Girls: From Friendship to Business02:00 Discovering Tallow: The Healing Journey05:51 From Side Hustle to Market Success09:52 Challenges and Triumphs in Business13:38 The Healing Power of Tallow17:51 Overcoming Business Hurdles20:03 The Importance of Knowing Your Source20:48 Challenges with Pricing and Market Adaptation21:10 Expanding the Team and Overcoming Local Challenges23:22 Building Relationships with Local Farms23:58 Success in Local Stores and Community Impact25:50 Family Involvement and Entrepreneurial Spirit27:31 Future Growth and Exciting Announcements31:15 Educational Resources and Inspirations32:28 Accessing Our Products and Community Engagement36:07 Final Thoughts and GratitudeRecorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093612317425SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:Watermark Auto Group: https://www.watermark.auto/Fowler Heating & Cooling: https://fowlerheatingandcooling.com/Swinford Media Group: https://swinfordpublications.com/Arcadia Wealth Group: https://www.raymondjames.com/arcadiawealthgroupBanterra Bank: https://www.banterra.bank/Southern Illinois Now: https://southernillinoisnow.org/Produced by Union Street Artshttps://www.unionstreetarts.com/

Navigating Big Business in Small Town America with Pathfinder AccountingIn this episode of 'Small Town Big Business,' hosts Jennifer Olson and Russell Williams are joined by Brendan Morgan of Pathfinder Accounting and Tax. Brendan shares insights into his specialized CPA firm that focuses on client accounting services, advanced bookkeeping, tax planning, and accounting consultancy. He discusses his journey from New York to Southern Illinois, the evolving landscape of remote work, and his passion for integrating technology into accounting practices. Brendan also explores his community involvement through the Southern Illinois Community Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club, highlighting the importance of local engagement. Additionally, the episode covers practical advice for small business owners on managing bookkeeping, automating administrative tasks, and transitioning accounting services efficiently.00:00 Welcome to Small Town Big Business00:11 Meet the Hosts: Jennifer Olson and Russell Williams00:59 Introducing Brendan Morgan from Pathfinder Accounting and Tax01:10 Pathfinder Accounting and Tax: Services and Specializations02:42 From New York to Southern Illinois: Brendan's Journey03:46 Starting a Business in Marion: Challenges and Opportunities05:52 Clientele and Services: Who Benefits from Pathfinder09:20 Community Involvement and Networking13:19 Automation and Efficiency in Business21:51 Upskilling and Workshops22:33 Bookkeeping Essentials for Small Businesses26:17 Outsourced CFO Services28:52 Community Involvement and Nonprofit Work34:37 Transitioning Bookkeeping Services36:56 The Future of CPA Profession40:20 Finding and Contacting the Business41:21 Conclusion and AcknowledgementsRecorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://www.pathfinderaccounting.co/

From Haircuts to Coffee: Building a Community Hub in Small Town AmericaThis episode of 'Small Town Big Business' features Jonathan and Jolyn Raby of West Frankfort, Illinois. As hairstylists who own Berg's Hair Parlor and Gambit Coffee Bar, they share their journey of establishing these businesses in a small town. The Rabys discuss their move from Nashville, initial challenges, and eventual successes, highlighting the importance of community involvement, adaptive business strategies, and innovative thinking. They emphasize the significance of offering a creative and welcoming space that serves as a 'third place' for locals. Additionally, their commitment to supporting local arts and providing an inclusive, family-friendly environment is discussed. The episode is full of insights on rural entrepreneurship, smart growth, and the power of community connection.

00:00 Welcome to Small Town Big Business00:50 Meet Our Special Guests: Jonathan and Jolyn Raby01:20 The Journey of Berg's Hair Parlor02:52 Challenges and Triumphs in Business08:20 Expanding with Gambit Coffee Bar11:22 Community Impact and Creative Ventures14:24 Navigating Growth and Future Plans19:47 Integrating into the Local Community24:52 Music and Community Engagement26:16 Naming the Quartet: Weird Pizza26:44 Take Action Today: Community Involvement28:29 Revitalizing Downtown: Conferences and Networking33:46 Balancing Business and Family39:15 Gambit and Bergs: Names and Inspirations45:41 The Freedom of Entrepreneurship48:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://www.facebook.com/burgshairparlour & www.gambit.bar