Ever wondered what it takes to turn a bold idea into a thriving business? Join us as we sit down with Adin Kikic, founder of Hydro Wash 360, to unpack his incredible journey from car sales to building one of Jacksonville’s leading exterior maintenance companies.

🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How Adin made the leap from a stable career to entrepreneurship ✅ The financial hurdles he overcame and how he funded his vision ✅ The innovative marketing strategies that fueled Hydro Wash 360’s growth ✅ How building a strong team helped scale the business faster ✅ Adin’s future goals and advice for aspiring business owners

📌 Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a small business owner, or just looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with practical strategies and real-world lessons.

🔗 Connect with Hydro Wash 360: 🌐 Website: www.hydrowash360.com 📞 Phone: 904-581-5305 📱 Social Media: @Hydrowash360

📞 Need capital or support growing your distribution business?

👉 Book a strategy call with Irv Cruz:

https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/contact-irv-cruze-yt

🎧 Listen to the Small Business Spotlight Podcast

🌐 Website: https://thesmallbusinessspotlight.libsyn.com

📬 Newsletter: https://theweeklyfromshieldadvisory.substack.com

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Credit_Banc

 

In this episode of Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz interviews Tomas Ortola-Stange, co-founder of Svidanza Audio, a studio specializing in music and game scoring for video games. Tomas shares how he turned his lifelong love of music into a thriving creative business in the gaming industry, building unique soundtracks and interactive music that connect players emotionally to the games they love. 

From the challenges of launching a business to the art of storytelling through audio, this conversation dives deep into what it takes to succeed as a creative entrepreneur in today’s competitive gaming world.

 

🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How Tomas turned a lifelong passion for music into a career in video game scoring ✅ Why family support and early funding played a key role in launching Svidanza Audio ✅ The toughest part of building a creative business in the gaming industry ✅ How interactive music is changing the way players experience video games ✅ The role of entrepreneurship, networking, and reputation-building in creative industries ✅ What’s next for Svidanza Audio, including collaborations with innovative game developers

 

🔗 Connect with Tomas & Svidanza:

• Website / Portfolio (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/tomasortola

• Company Website: https://www.svidanzaaudio.com

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SvidanzaAudio

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/svidanza_audio

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/svidanza-audio

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@svidanzaaudio

 

📞 Need capital or support growing your distribution business?

👉 Book a strategy call with Irv Cruz:

https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/contact-irv-cruze-yt

🎧 Listen to the Small Business Spotlight Podcast

🌐 Website: https://thesmallbusinessspotlight.libsyn.com

📬 Newsletter: https://theweeklyfromshieldadvisory.substack.com

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Credit_Banc

What do honey marshmallows, risk-taking, and a former government consultant have in common?

A damn good story about turning passion into product.

In this episode, Irv Cruz sits down with Amy Trout Hughes, founder of 48 Blocks Fine Candy, to talk about her leap from the federal world into the whimsical (and wildly competitive) world of sweets. Amy shares how she bootstrapped her business, innovated the candy game, and built a community-first brand that doesn’t want to be the next Hershey’s; she wants to be herself.

This one’s for the rebels, the candy lovers, and anyone chasing a dream that doesn’t quite fit inside the box.

 

🔥 What You’ll Learn:

✅ Why leaving a “safe” career can be your sweetest move yet ✅ How Amy used honey (not corn syrup) to win an innovation award ✅ What “collaboration over competition” really looks like ✅ How she financed her dream, 401ks, angel investors, and all ✅ Why process matters just as much as passion in food manufacturing ✅ The power of community when building a local brand

 

🔗 Connect with Amy:

• Website & Shop: https://48blocksfinecandy.com 

• LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/48-blocks-fine-candy/

• LinkedIn (Amy): https://www.linkedin.com/in/amytrouthughes/

• Phone: +1 703-772-9374 • 

• Email: [email protected]

Who is Irv?

Irv Cruz is a business advisor at Credit Banc, specializing in funding solutions, business credit, and strategic growth for small businesses. Whether you need capital, better credit, or a plan to scale, he’s here to help. Book a call with him today!

 

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How do you go from cooking for crowds to curating exclusive dining experiences for the elite?

In this episode, Irv Cruz sits down with Lionel Chadwick, founder of The Black Cat List, a boutique Nashville-based firm connecting ultra-high net worth clients with private chefs and luxury estate services. Lionel shares how he left the corporate kitchen behind to build something of his own, from the early financial hurdles to designing a brand that stands out in the hospitality space.

If you’ve ever thought about turning your passion into a premium business, you’ll want to hear this one.

 

🔥 What You’ll Learn:

✅ Why leaving a secure job can be the first step to real growth ✅ How Lionel built a high-end hospitality brand ✅ The marketing moves that actually attract luxury clients ✅ What it takes to serve (and scale with) elite clientele ✅ Why your team is everything when you're building something big ✅ The meaning behind “Black Cat”....and why branding matters

 

🔗 Connect with Lionel:

• Website: https://www.theblackcatlist.com 

• LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-black-cat-list/ 

• LinkedIn (Lionel): https://www.linkedin.com/in/lionel-dean-chadwick-a880b172/ 

Who is Irv?

Irv Cruz is a business advisor at Credit Banc, specializing in funding solutions, business credit, and strategic growth for small businesses. Whether you need capital, better credit, or a plan to scale, he’s here to help. Book a call with him today!

 

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Emily Thompson turned childhood sewing sessions into a thriving business in New York’s Garment District. On this episode of Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz sits down with Emily to unpack how she built BERTHOLLET NYC, a full-service studio helping fashion brands bring their visions to life.

From her early passion for stitching to studying fashion in Paris and designing for Olympic athletes, Emily shares the real behind-the-scenes work it takes to scale in the fashion industry. Whether you’re in fashion or just trying to grow your own brand, this episode is packed with insight on client management, networking, and turning creative vision into real results.

🔥 What You’ll Learn:

✅ How Emily turned a childhood love of sewing into a full-scale studio ✅ The step-by-step process of bringing a fashion sketch to production ✅ Why networking is critical for business survival in fashion ✅ The hardest parts of growing a client-based business ✅ What it’s like designing for Olympic athletes ✅ How Emily funded her business and moved into her first studio

 

🔗 Connect with Emily:

• Website: https://www.bertholletnyc.com 

• LinkedIn (Founder): https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilykthompsonn/

• LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/berthollet-nyc/ linkedin.com

• Studio: 246 W 38th St, Suite 502, New York, NY • [email protected] • (646) 481-1611 

Who is Irv?

Irv Cruz is a business advisor at Credit Banc, specializing in funding solutions, business credit, and strategic growth for small businesses. Whether you need capital, better credit, or a plan to scale, he’s here to help. Book a call with him today!

 

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In this episode of the Credit Banc Small Business Spotlight, Irv Cruz sits down with Amber Burr, co-founder of Daddy’s Homemade Syrups, to talk about building a syrup empire rooted in clean ingredients, family values, and pure nostalgia.

What started as a way to make healthier breakfasts for her family turned into a full-fledged small business, with hand-drawn jars, a sold-out garage sale debut, and over 20 syrup flavors later, Amber shares what it really takes to turn a kitchen creation into a growing national brand.

From navigating the challenges of launching during the pandemic to finding purpose beyond profits, this conversation is packed with lessons for any entrepreneur looking to scale a product-based business while staying true to their values.

🔥 What You’ll Learn:

✅ How she turned a family health concern into a thriving syrup brand with over 20 core flavors. ✅ Daddy’s Homemade Syrups launched at a garage sale and sold out on Day 1. ✅ They use no artificial preservatives and let customer feedback drive flavor development. ✅ COVID-19 shifted their marketing strategy to focus on social media and e-commerce. ✅ Nostalgia is central to their brand—reminding customers of family, comfort, and tradition.

 

🔗 Connect with Amber:

• Website: https://www.daddyshomemadesyrup.com

• LinkedIn (Founder): https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-burr-69b04b113/

• LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/daddy-s-homemade/

 

Who is Irv?

Irv Cruz is a business advisor at Credit Banc, specializing in funding solutions, business credit, and strategic growth for small businesses. Whether you need capital, better credit, or a plan to scale, he’s here to help. Book a call with him today!

 

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Can a mental health practice feel more like a safe space than a clinic?

In this episode of the Credit Banc Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz interviews Chyllia Dixon, a psychiatric nurse practitioner and founder of Hazelwood Mental Health. After leaving a six-figure job, Chyllia followed her calling to create a practice built on holistic, relationship-driven care.

From integrating hypnotherapy and aromatherapy, to measuring success through patient stories, Chyllia shares how she built trust, grew through word-of-mouth, and stayed grounded in her mission.

Whether you're in healthcare, starting your own business, or passionate about mental wellness, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and a reminder that healing starts with human connection.

🔥 What You’ll Learn: ✅ Why Chyllia walked away from a 6-figure salary ✅ The power of hypnotherapy, aromatherapy & holistic healing ✅ How patient relationships fuel retention and outcomes ✅ Why authentic care beats traditional marketing ✅ What’s next for Hazelwood: workshops, expansion & community

🔗 Connect with Chyllia:

🌐 Website: https://hazelwoodmh.com

👤 LinkedIn (Personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/chyllia-dixon-pmhnp/

🏢 LinkedIn (Clinic): https://www.linkedin.com/company/hazelwood-mental-health/

📞 Phone: (480) 949‑5700

 

Who is Irv?

Irv Cruz is a business advisor at Credit Banc, specializing in funding solutions, business credit, and strategic growth for small businesses. Whether you need capital, better credit, or a plan to scale, he’s here to help. Book a call with him today!

 

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What do The Sims, zoning laws, and housing shortages have in common? 

In this episode, Irv Cruz interviews John Poillucci, founder of Space House Architecture, to talk about his journey from childhood dreams to launching his own architecture firm. John shares how designing in The Sims as a kid sparked his interest in building real homes, why ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) are a vital part of solving the housing crisis, and how technology is transforming how clients visualize their dream spaces.

From navigating zoning headaches to building trust with clients, John drops valuable insight for anyone interested in design, construction, or starting their own business.

 

🔥 What You’ll Learn:

✅ Childhood passions can turn into powerful business ventures ✅ ADUs are a practical and scalable housing solution ✅ Zoning laws can complicate, but not kill, good design ✅ Communication is the backbone of client relationships ✅ Visualization tools help clients feel confident in the process ✅ Starting a firm takes grit…but the reward is worth it ✅ Space House’s mission: make homes more attainable for everyone

🔗 Connect with John & Space House Studio

• 🌐 Website

• 💼 LinkedIn

• 🏠 Space House LinkedIn

Who is Irv?

Irv Cruz is a business advisor at Credit Banc, specializing in funding solutions, business credit, and strategic growth for small businesses. Whether you need capital, better credit, or a plan to scale, he’s here to help. Book a call with him today!

 

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What do psychology and roofing have in common? More than you think.

Our next guest, Lauren Morley, went from psych grad to CEO of two construction companies — and she’s doing it with heart, hustle, and a plan called PRIME.

In this episode of Credit Banc’s Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz interviews Lauren Morley, President of R3NG and CP&M, who made the bold leap from psychology major to roofing CEO.

Lauren opens up about taking over the family business, redefining leadership in a male-dominated industry, and how her unique PRIME framework—Plan, Repair, Restore, Replace—is elevating standards in commercial roofing.

Whether you’re a business owner, builder, or marketing strategist, Lauren’s journey is full of hard-earned insights on growth, branding, and building a team that wins.

🔥 What You’ll Learn

✅ How Lauren went from psychology to construction leadership ✅ What it’s like to buy and grow a family-owned roofing company ✅ Why relationship-based marketing drives their success ✅ The PRIME approach: how it works and why it’s different ✅ Big growth plans including revenue scaling and tech adoption ✅ Why team loyalty and personal development are essential

 

🔗 Connect with Lauren Morley & Her Companies

🌐 R3NG Website: https://r3ng.com 🏢 CP&M Website: https://cpandm.net/company/ 🔗 Lauren’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenrosemorley/ 🏢 R3NG LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/r3ng/

Who is Irv?

Irv Cruz is a business advisor at Credit Banc, specializing in funding solutions, business credit, and strategic growth for small businesses. Whether you need capital, better credit, or a plan to scale, he’s here to help. Book a call with him today!

 

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Can dessert be healthy and delicious? ðŸ¨

In this episode of Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz sits down with Scott Campbell, the founder of Love in My Tummy Foods, to explore how his personal health journey turned into a mission-driven food brand.

From overcoming dietary restrictions to navigating the strict food industry regulations, Scott reveals the secrets behind creating desserts that are plant-based, nutritious, and actually delicious.

Whether you're a food entrepreneur or a health-conscious foodie, this one’s packed with insight and inspiration.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

✅ The health scare that sparked a purpose-driven dessert brand

✅ Why sweeteners matter more than you think

✅ The biggest challenges food founders face (regulations, R&D, funding)

✅ Pandemic downtime was a catalyst for product experimentation

✅ The market for healthy, plant-based dessert alternatives is booming

📌 Connect with Scott Campbell:

• 🌠Website

• 🔗 LinkedIn

• 📸 Instagram

• 📘 Facebook

  Who is Irv?

Irv Cruz is a business advisor at Credit Banc, specializing in funding solutions, business credit, and strategic growth for small businesses. Whether you need capital, better credit, or a plan to scale, he’s here to help. Book a call with him today!

 

🎧 Watch now & drop your biggest takeaway in the comments!

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