In this episode of Small Town Big Business, we talk with Nate Watts, founder of Revival Land Management, a growing excavation and landscaping company based in Southern Illinois. Nate shares how he turned his passion for heavy equipment and land work into a thriving business serving the Lake of Egypt area and beyond.

In this inspiring episode of Small Town Big Business, we sit down with Faith Wagner, founder of The Downtown Dip, an ice cream shop that’s scooping joy in not just one, but TWO Southern Illinois towns — Carterville and Marion!

In this episode of Small Town Big Business, we sit down with Teresa Katubig, founder and CEO of HireLevel, to explore how she built one of the most impactful workforce management companies in the Midwest—starting from a single office in Southern Illinois.

Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/

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Our guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-katubig-03502b7/

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/arcadiawealthgroup

Banterra Bank: https://www.banterra.bank/

Southern Illinois Now: https://southernillinoisnow.org/

Produced by Union Street Arts: https://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/

In this episode of Small Town Big Business, co-hosts Deb Barnett and Russ Williams talk with Cynde Bunch, the founder of Walker's Bluff, a multi-faceted business in Southern Illinois. Cynde shares her journey from working as a nurse to becoming a successful business owner, highlighting the development of Walker's Bluff from her grandparents' property to a major destination featuring a vineyard, restaurants, and a casino resort. Cynde discusses her persistent advocacy for changes in local laws and infrastructure to support her vision, as well as the personal challenges and triumphs along the way. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, community support, and her passion for giving back to the local area. Cynde also teases future plans for further developments at Walker's Bluff, aiming to continue benefiting the Southern Illinois community.00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Background00:54 Introducing Cindy Bunch: Founder of Walker's Bluff01:20 Cindy's Journey into Business06:12 The Birth of Walker's Bluff12:32 Developing Walker's Bluff: From Gazebo to Concerts16:51 Walker's Bluff Casino Resort: Vision and Challenges24:38 Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated25:24 Supporting Local Businesses and Community26:22 The Importance of Personal Connections27:13 Giving Back to the Community29:35 Family Involvement in Business31:07 Community Support and Achievements38:03 Future Plans and Infrastructure40:43 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsRecorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://www.walkersbluff.com/

In this episode, Sean Hughes from Vernell's Interstate Service discusses the wide range of services offered by the company, from towing to diesel repair, tire sales, and road service. Sean shares the history of the family-owned business, which has been serving the community for over 60 years, starting from its founder Brunell Sellers' garage. He touches on the company's core values, the importance of maintaining a strong reputation, the challenges faced, and the relationships built with customers and local vendors. Sean also explains the training and safety measures taken to ensure high-quality service, and highlights the company's commitment to customer service and community engagement.Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://vernellsinterstateservice.com/

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:09 Overview of Verne's Interstate Services01:16 History of Verne's Interstate Service02:43 Service Area and Employee Details04:28 Company Values and Customer Service07:52 Employee Training and Safety11:31 Customer Relationships and Referrals14:31 Personal Background and Joining Verne's15:19 Challenges in Running the Business16:53 Adapting to Modern Work Culture17:24 Building a Strong Team18:52 Challenges in the Towing Business20:47 Industry Changes and Training23:38 Supporting Local Vendors24:29 Future Business Plans28:48 Community and Relationships32:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Small Town Big Business, we’re joined by Doug Kimmel, Airport Director at Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois, for an in-depth look at how a small-town airport plays a big role in regional connectivity, economic development, and military legacy.Doug shares the story of how the airport evolved from its roots as a flying service operated by Fred Valentin in the 1930s to a modern regional hub serving thousands of passengers annually. He discusses his own journey from Carbondale to managing an airport with growing traffic, new facilities, and a deep commitment to the community.

In this episode of Small Town Big Business, co-hosts Deb Barnett and Russ Williams welcome Noah Fulk, the founder of E-Wagers. Noah shares his journey from growing up in Southern Illinois to forming E-Wagers, a unique B2B platform that offers skill-based wagers and tournaments. Noah discusses his motivations, the challenges of launching a startup, forming an advisory board, and the significance of having a strong support network. Tune in to discover valuable insights about starting and scaling a business from a small town base.

Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.

In this episode of Small Town Big Business, hosts Jennifer Olson and Russ Williams interview Susan Erston, co-owner of Just Add Water. Susan shares the incredible, accidental journey of transforming a simple bait shop into a bustling community hub and bar at Lake of Egypt. From early days of selling pies and coffee to hosting large events, Susan recounts the trials, triumphs, and community support that made it all possible. With tales of resilience, innovative ideas, and a tight-knit community, this inspiring story is a must-listen for anyone interested in the challenges and rewards of running a small-town business.

Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Victor Baker, the passionate owner of Everything Barbell CrossFit. Victor shares his 10-year journey from beginning CrossFit to lose weight for a Border Patrol job, to owning a worldwide CrossFit business. Hear about his early challenges, from the intimidating first visit to HealthPoint CrossFit in Missouri to building his gym with his own hands. Victor also dives into his efforts to give back to the community through events and drives, highlighting how his upbringing in Mounds, Illinois, shaped his entrepreneurial and philanthropic spirit. Whether it's competing, coaching, or fostering a supportive community, Victor's story is a testament to hard work, faith, and laughter.

The Legacy of Mary's Restaurant: A Conversation with David Hayes

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.