Small Town Big Business

Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois. https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Our guest: https://flammorchards.com/

In this episode, we dive into the story of Jackie Robbins, the passionate entrepreneur behind Honey Heist Mead Company, nestled in the rolling hills of Southern Illinois in Cobden. 🌾🐝 From her fascinating journey in the Marine Corps to her love for flavors and the unexpected rise of her meadery, Jackie shares how she and her team are pioneering a unique business in a small town. Discover the magic of mead, how it complements Southern Illinois' renowned wine trail, and the inspiration behind her Midwest-rooted flavors. 🍯🍷 Don't miss out on hearing about her innovative events, like "Mead and Musings," and how social media has played a vital role in her early success. Whether you're a business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just someone who loves a good story, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois. https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Our guest: https://www.honeyheistmeadco.com/

The Small Town Big Business podcast episode features Benny's Italian Foods, a family-owned restaurant with a rich history in Marion, Illinois. Bennie's has been a staple in the community for decades, known for its traditional Italian dishes made in-house and its deep commitment to customer service. The restaurant is currently owned and operated by John Hill, who shares his journey of maintaining the business, adapting to changes in the industry, and striving to keep Benny's at the forefront of Marion's dining landscape. In this episode, hosts Jennifer Olson and Russ Williams explore the challenges and successes of running a small business in a small town, with John providing valuable insights into the evolution of Bennie's, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and his plans for the future. John emphasizes the importance of quality, community, and the legacy of Bennie's, as he discusses his efforts to ensure the restaurant remains a beloved part of Marion's culinary landscape. Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois. https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Our guest: https://benniesitalianfoods.com/

Welcome to Small Town Big Business, the podcast that explores big business in small-town rural America! Hosted by Jennifer Olson, Director of Business Development for the City of Marion, and Russell Williams, Director of Ethos, this episode features a special guest, Kara Flaherty, owner of Milkweed Provisions in Marion, Illinois. 🧀🍷 Kara shares her journey from St. Louis to Marion, turning her extensive background in wine and retail into a charming shop that’s more than just wine and cheese—it's a space filled with all her passions, from books to candles. Kara discusses the challenges and rewards of opening a small business in a rural area, the importance of community, and her plans for the future, including wine classes and private events. We’re also approaching our 100th episode—stay tuned for more exciting announcements! 🎉 Special thanks to our sponsors: Arcadia Wealth Group, Black Diamond Harley Davidson and RV, Fowler Heating and Cooling, Swinford Media Group, Watermark Auto Group Foundation, Banterra Bank, and Southern Illinois Now. Find us on your favorite podcast app and on YouTube. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! For more about Ethos, visit ethosmarion.org. Tune in now to hear Kara's inspiring story and get a taste of Milkweed Provisions! 📲🍷 #SmallTownBigBusiness #SupportLocal #MilkweedProvisions #MarionILRecorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois. https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Our guest:   / milkweed-provisions-61552216176937

In this episode of "Small Town Big Business," hosts Jennifer Olson, the Director of Business Development for the City of Marion, and Russell Williams, Director of Ethos, sit down with Brandy Renshaw, a third-generation farmer and owner of Farmer's Daughter Boutique and the Casper House in Anna, Illinois. Brandy shares her journey from opening a boutique in her hometown of Olive Branch to revitalizing a historic home in Anna, turning it into a thriving business hub for women entrepreneurs. Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois. https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Our guest:   / the-casper-house-61554922300525   https://farmersdaughter316.com/

Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois. https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Our guest: https://www.susanwillisphotography.com/ Eight Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing for Headshots pdf guide: https://www.susanwillisphotography.co...

Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois. https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Our guest: http://www.carbondalenewschool.com/in... SPECIAL 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/arcadiaw... Banterra Bank: https://www.banterra.bank/ Southern Illinois Now: https://southernillinoisnow.org/ Produced by Union Street Arts https://www.unionstreetarts.com/

n this episode of Small Town Big Business, we chat with Chris Egelston, a leading figure at the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship. Chris shares his insights into the Institute's mission to empower young entrepreneurs through innovative educational programs like the CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) program. We delve into the transformative impact of experiential learning, the challenges of fostering entrepreneurial spirit in small towns, and success stories from the program. Tune in to discover how the Midland Institute is shaping the future of business in Southern Illinois and beyond. Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois. https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Our guest: https://wowyourcrowdguaranteed.com/

Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois. https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Our guest: https://rollingoakalpacaranch.com/

Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois. https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Our guest: In this episode, hosts Russell Williams and Jennifer Olson interview Matt Mavert, the new owner of Hale's Automotive. Matt shares his journey from growing up in a family of car enthusiasts in Steeleville, Illinois, to taking over Hale's Automotive in Marion. He discusses the importance of legacy businesses, the challenges and rewards of expanding his operations, and the pivotal role of his team in the company's success. Matt also offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the significance of just getting started, being adaptable, and surrounding oneself with the right people. With a focus on customer service acmmunity involvement, Matt's story is a testament to the potential for growth and impact in small-town America.