In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, we sit down with Dan Wilson, Managing Partner of Viking Mergers & Acquisitions and a man who’s lived every side of entrepreneurship — from the grind of startup life to the strategy of multimillion-dollar exits.

Dan’s story begins in the U.S. Air Force, where discipline, structure, and leadership became the foundation of his entrepreneurial mindset. After leaving the military, he built an IT company from the ground up, navigated multiple acquisitions and a merger, and eventually sold his business for millions. Now, as a Managing Partner at Viking M&A and founder of their Raleigh, North Carolina office, Dan helps other business owners prepare for the single largest transaction of their lives — selling their company.

We cover it all — from what makes a business truly worth buying to how owners can build systems, teams, and financials that attract premium buyers. Dan shares eye-opening insights on:

The emotional and strategic side of selling your business

The “Silver Tsunami” — the trillion-dollar wave of baby-boomer business exits coming in the next 10–15 years

How AI tools like ChatGPT are now influencing how buyers and sellers find each other

The biggest mistakes owners make when they wait too long to plan their exit

Why valuation isn’t just about revenue — it’s about readiness, documentation, and leadership depth

Through every part of the conversation, Dan’s passion for helping his clients make informed, confident decisions shines through. Whether you’re just starting to think about succession or you’re already building toward a sale, this episode gives you the playbook to grow smarter and exit stronger.

🎧 Tune in to learn what it really takes to build a business that’s ready for sale — and why your best exit starts long before the first offer ever lands on your desk.

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, Randy Kerr sits down with Joe Kimray, co-owner of B&W Hardware — a 75-year-old Wake Forest landmark that’s now serving its fourth generation of customers.

Joe shares what it’s like marrying into a multigenerational family business and learning how to “retrovate” — blending old-school service with new ideas, products, and technology to keep a small-town hardware store thriving in a big-box world.

They dive into Joe’s national advocacy work as part of the National Retail Federation, where he’s traveled to Capitol Hill to fight for small retailers on issues like credit card swipe fees and tariffs — and how those policies quietly impact the people on Main Street more than anyone else.

Randy and Joe also explore local Wake Forest politics, Joe’s run for Town Commissioner, and his ongoing leadership roles with the Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce, including his time as interim president. They touch on his recognition as Man of the Year (2021) and his deep commitment to keeping the heart of downtown Wake Forest strong.

From Traeger grills to the town’s beloved Christmas train display, Joe’s story is about community, adaptability, and finding common ground — whether it’s in business, politics, or everyday life. As Joe puts it, “the answers aren’t on the left or the right — they’re in the middle.”

In this non-political episode, Mayor Vivian Jones shares how a shop owner’s perspective shaped her journey from running a downtown restaurant with her sister to serving Wake Forest as commissioner and then mayor. We cover the practical stuff founders need: navigating permits and renovations, activating underused spaces, façade and small-business grants, and the partnerships—Town, Chamber, Wake Forest Downtown, Launch Wake Forest—that help entrepreneurs open faster and grow smarter. We also reflect on the growth and changes she’s seen since moving to Wake Forest in 1981, highlight local businesses, and leave you with concrete next steps to plug into the ecosystem.

Perfect for: anyone planning to open or expand a business in Wake Forest—or any Main Street community.

#StayBrokePodcast #WakeForest #SmallBusiness #DowntownRevitalization #Entrepreneurship #MainStreet #LocalBusiness

When Ilia Kolosov first started selling ballroom dance shoes out of a duffel bag, he had no idea it would lead to an international brand. Today, as the founder of AIDA Dance USA and Ballroom Portal, Ilia has built a company grounded in discipline, integrity, and a deep passion for craftsmanship — but the path wasn’t easy.

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, Ilia opens up about the lessons behind the success: the years of grinding in New York, the personal mistakes that became turning points, and how coaching, faith, and mentorship helped him rebuild his mindset — and his mission.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between ambition and burnout, this episode will remind you why doing the work on yourself is the most important investment you can make.

💡 In This Episode

• Building a business from scratch in a niche industry
• Finding purpose through failure and growth
• Turning passion into a sustainable brand
• How mentorship and mindset shape success
• What it means to lead with ethics and discipline

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, we sit down with Jennifer Wood, the owner of The Burger Shop in Wake Forest, NC, to share a story that’s about far more than food.

Jennifer never planned to run a restaurant—she didn’t even like burgers. But life had other plans, and her journey from military wife and stay-at-home mom, to single mother, to losing her second husband to cancer, forged the grit and identity she carries into business today.

What started as survival became leadership. What started as uncertainty became a community favorite.

This episode is for anyone building a business while carrying real life on their shoulders.

🎧 Stream this episode on all major audio platforms (Apple, Spotify, Amazon, etc.)

🕕 New episodes drop every Friday at 6 PM, where we interview business owners and influential community leaders to learn from their stories, strategies, and scars.

🍔 The Burger Shop: https://wakeforestburgershop.com/

🌐 Stay Broke: https://staybroke.com

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, we sit down with DAVIS88, a talented North Carolina artist who shares his inspiring journey from picking up a guitar for the first time to chasing his dream of becoming a full-time musician.

From taking voice lessons and learning the ropes of the music industry to creating his first EP in Wilmington, NC, DAVIS88 walks us through the highs, lows, and lessons of building a career in music. Along the way, he made key connections that led him to Nashville, TN, where his passion and persistence continue to open new doors.

Despite working full-time with Parks and Recreation, DAVIS88 never stops writing, recording, and performing — proving that dedication and consistency are the keys to turning passion into purpose. This conversation is a reminder that success in the creative world doesn’t happen overnight — it’s earned one song, one show, and one connection at a time.

Tune in and get inspired by the grind, growth, and genuine heart behind DAVIS88’s journey.

Today we are venturing to western Pennsylvania to sit down with Paul McCall and Greg Mcneish, founders of All About Ground Cover INC. Learn how the built a successful nursery business in a small town. With creative solutions for distribution and labor; using available resources and partnering with the Amish.

Brad Walker sold the software company he and his wife built—then moved to Wake Forest, NC and doubled down on helping entrepreneurs. In this episode, Brad shares how he started Launch Wake Forest and Launch Rolesville through the Rotary Club, why he earned his real estate license to buy and sell commercial properties, and how teaching the Launch Wake Forest course led him to his next challenge: studying for a contractor’s license to step into commercial development.

We dig into the mindset shift from founder to community builder, the nuts and bolts of launching local programs, and Brad’s vision for creating spaces where small businesses can thrive.

A detailed account of how Mike Donato created the revolutionary "Three-Pronged System" for evaluating top tier knives. Making Knife Purveyor the premier destination for collectors and enthusiasts of high-end custom and investment grade knives.

Go on a journey with JD owner/operator JB's Pool Care. A lesson in overcoming adversity and seeking opportunity. JD is proof that you can be recognized in any industry for being the best. Top 30 under 40 and Green to clean champion because of his focus on the customer experience. If a Tragic car accident couldn't steal his drive then nothing will.