The Mesa Business Builder’s Podcast

Access to capital is essential for small business growth—but how do banks decide who gets a loan? In this episode of the Mesa Business Builder Podcast, host Kelly Keffer speaks with David Scott, Arizona Market President of First Western Bank, about the “5 C’s of Credit”: Character, Capacity, Capital, Collateral, and Conditions. Whether you’re applying for a loan or building a banking relationship, this episode offers practical insights to help you prepare, grow, and thrive in today’s economy.

Navigating the legal side of your business doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this episode of the Mesa Business Builder podcast, host Kelly Keffer sits down with business attorney Timothy Coons from Council Legal Firm to simplify business law for entrepreneurs. From choosing the right business structure and protecting your personal assets to understanding tax options and staying compliant, Tim breaks down the essentials you need to confidently grow your business.

If you’re a small business owner looking for straightforward legal advice that actually makes sense, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Mesa Business Builder Podcast, host Kelly Kepher sits down with David Scott, Arizona Market President at First Western Bank—also known as the "Bearded Wizard of Finance." David shares why building a relationship with your banker is critical to small business success. From proactive planning and access to capital, to navigating strategic growth with a trusted advisor, this episode explores the deeper “why” behind strong financial partnerships and how they support long-term economic development in Mesa.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, hear real-world insights on how the right banking relationship can unlock your business's next big opportunity.

In this episode of the Mesa Business Builder Podcast, Kelley Keffer, Project Manager with the City of Mesa Office of Economic Development, sits down with Peter Costa—CEO and co-founder of Baltu Technologies. Peter shares how his early exposure to tech shaped his journey from video games to founding a company that connects education, business, and community through immersive technologies.

Together, they discuss how small businesses can think strategically about using tools like virtual and augmented reality, how to evaluate tech against real-world needs and budgets, and why trust and transparency matter more than hype. Whether you're tech-savvy or tech-curious, this episode offers down-to-earth insights into innovation that serves a purpose.

In this Know Before You Grow session, we sit down with Carrie Sakket, a solopreneur and certified loneliness coach, to talk about one of the most unspoken challenges of entrepreneurship—loneliness. Whether you're launching your first venture or scaling solo, Carrie shares practical ways to stay connected, build community, and avoid isolation while growing your business.

In this episode we sit down with Amy Robinson and Christina Karaskia of Brand Girls Bakery — digital accessibility advocates, educators, and creative professionals — to explore what digital accessibility really means and why it's essential for today’s businesses. From color contrast and screen readers to inclusive UX design and SEO benefits, this conversation breaks down the tools, strategies, and mindset shifts that can help small businesses build more accessible and equitable digital experiences.

Tune in to learn how accessibility can open doors, expand your audience, and strengthen your brand.

In this episode of Know Before You Grow, we sit down with PJ Williams, founder of PJ’s Presence, to break down the essential HR support every small business needs. From onboarding and compliance to building healthy workplace culture, PJ shares real-world advice on how to avoid costly mistakes and create strong HR foundations—whether you’re hiring your first employee or managing a growing team.

If you’re a small business owner looking to gain clarity and confidence around HR, this episode is a must-listen.

Marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this episode, Erica McBeth, Founder of McBeth Marketing, shares five core marketing strategies every small business needs to build brand awareness, connect with customers, and drive growth. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining your approach, these actionable tips will help you focus on what really matters.

In this episode of the Mesa Business Builder Podcast, we’re joined by Scott Morris, Market President of Gateway Bank, for a deep dive into the SBA 504 loan program.

From purchasing real estate to investing in major equipment, SBA 504 loans offer long-term, fixed-rate financing that can fuel business growth. Scott shares how the program works, who qualifies, and why it’s a game-changer for entrepreneurs looking to scale sustainably.

Whether you're expanding your space or just planning ahead, this episode delivers valuable insights every small business owner should hear.

In this episode of Know Before You Grow, we sit down with branding expert Garren Lofgreen, founder of Perspicuous., to explore what branding means for small businesses. From shaping your visual identity to crafting a compelling message that resonates with your audience, Garren shares practical tips and real-world insights to help you build a brand that drives growth and creates lasting impact.

Whether launching a new business or looking to refresh your brand, this episode is packed with valuable advice you won't want to miss.