🎧 What if the biggest obstacle in your business… is you?

In this episode of Credit Banc's Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz chats with Anthony Franco, founder of HowToFounder.com, to get brutally honest about what it really takes to grow a business.

From battling “commission breath” in sales to launching a podcast that became his playbook, Anthony shares the emotional, tactical, and strategic sides of being a founder in today’s fast-paced world.

Whether you're in your first startup or scaling your tenth, this conversation hits hard with insights that matter.

✅ Why most sales tactics fail—and how to actually connect ✅ The emotional toll of entrepreneurship (and how to cope) ✅ What "commission breath" is and how to kill it ✅ How to turn a podcast into your business blueprint ✅ Anthony’s future plans (👀 possibly a book on the horizon!) ✅ What not to do when you're stuck or scaling

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyfranco/

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

Need funding, strategic clarity, or a business growth plan? 👉 Schedule a free discovery call: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/contact-irv-cruze-yt

🚀 No Investors. No Shortcuts. Just Grit.

What does it take to launch and grow a profitable business with no outside funding, no safety net, and no shortcuts? In this episode of Credit Banc’s Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz sits down with Alex Thoric, co-founder of Building Income On Demand, to unpack exactly that.

From humble beginnings in network marketing to launching a full-service digital agency, Alex shares how credibility, content, and consistency became the foundation for long-term success.

Whether you're in the trenches building your own brand or still figuring out where to start, this episode is packed with real talk and actionable strategies.

✅ How Alex turned free services into high-value lead generation ✅ The client system that helped a gym survive and grow during COVID ✅ How he bootstrapped his agency with no funding ✅ What it takes to scale a service business sustainably ✅ Why reputation and results matter more than ad spend ✅ Future plans to land major clients in real estate and insurance

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-thoric/

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

Need capital, funding strategy, or help growing your business? 👉 Schedule a strategy session: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/contact-irv-cruze-yt

🏠 Building Homes. Rebuilding Hope. Travis Fox on Making Housing Attainable for Those Who Serve.

In this episode of Credit Banc's Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz sits down with Travis Fox, executive chairman of Build Your Fortress, to discuss how he's changing the game in housing—specifically for veterans, first responders, and underserved communities.

From the mindset behind his mission to the grind of fundraising, Travis shares what it takes to grow a purpose-driven business in the construction industry, all while keeping people—not profits—at the center.

✔️ Why housing should be “attainable,” not just “affordable” ✔️ How partnerships fuel scalable, impactful business growth ✔️ The real housing crisis—and who it’s hitting hardest ✔️ Why mindset and mission matter in the construction space ✔️ What Travis has learned about capital, failure, and entrepreneurship ✔️ How Build Your Fortress is empowering veterans and first responders ✔️ Why community is key to long-term business success

• Website: https://buildyourfortress.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisfox/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travisfox360/?hl=en

Need capital or strategic help to fund your next mission-driven project? 👉 Book a free strategy call: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/contact-irv-cruze-yt

🌀 From Garage to Growth: The Story Behind Hurricane IT Solutions

Welcome back to Credit Banc's Small Business Spotlight, where we feature real business owners making real moves. In this episode, host Irv Cruz sits down with Hunter Giambra, founder of Hurricane IT Solutions, to talk about building one of the fastest-growing IT and telecom providers in the country—starting from his own garage.

Hunter shares how he navigated early-stage chaos, pivoted during the COVID-19 crisis, and scaled a team that now provides cybersecurity and telecom solutions to businesses nationwide.

✅ How Hunter grew Hurricane IT Solutions from garage to nationwide ✅ Smart cybersecurity tools every business should know about ✅ The impact of COVID-19 on IT services & remote infrastructure ✅ Why telecom is key to the company’s future growth ✅ How to build a team that balances skill and culture ✅ What marketing strategies helped them scale coast-to-coast ✅ Hunter’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs in tech and services

• Website: https://www.hurricane-it.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-giambra-865b7675/

Need capital, business credit, or a scale-up strategy for your tech or service business? 👉 Book a free strategy call: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/contact-irv-cruze-yt

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

• The Liquid Lunch Project Podcast: https://theliquidlunchproject.com/

🧠 From Solo Practice to Mental Health Powerhouse: Leigh-Ann Larson’s Journey with Elevate

In this episode of Credit Banc’s Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz interviews Leigh-Ann Larson, founder of Elevate Counseling Services, a growing mental health group practice with 50+ team members and multiple locations.

Leigh-Ann reveals what it really takes to grow a service-based business in a regulated, emotionally demanding space like mental health. From financial obstacles and COVID-era pivots to staffing strategies and mission-driven growth, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for health professionals, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders alike.

✅ Why Leigh-Ann launched Elevate to combat isolation in therapy ✅ How hiring helped Elevate specialize in pediatric mental health ✅ What marketing tactics actually fueled their expansion ✅ How COVID-19 reshaped their model (and how they adapted fast) ✅ The financial strategies that keep Elevate profitable and sustainable ✅ What’s next: grief education, intensive outpatient programs, and more ✅ Leigh-Ann’s advice for purpose-driven entrepreneurs in healthcare

• Company Website: https://www.elevate-counseling.com

• Personal Website: https://www.leigh-ann-larson.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-ann-larson-86174040/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leigh.ann.larson/

Need capital, business credit, or strategic help growing your healthcare or service business? 👉 Book a free strategy call: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/contact-irv-cruze-yt

🐾 From Startup to Pet Care Franchise: Shaina Denny's Journey with Dogdrop

In this episode of Credit Banc's Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz sits down with Shaina Denny, co-founder and CEO of Dogdrop — a tech-enabled dog daycare franchise reimagining what pet care should look like for modern pet parents.

Shaina shares her experience launching Dogdrop after living abroad, the hurdles of raising venture capital, and why execution > everything when growing a brand.

If you're an entrepreneur in the pet industry, service-based business, or exploring franchising, this episode is full of real-world insights.

✅ Why traditional dog daycares are outdated ✅ How Dogdrop offers flexibility & convenience for pet owners ✅ The truth about raising venture capital as a female founder ✅ Why proof of concept matters more than big ideas ✅ How Shaina scaled Dogdrop through smart operations ✅ The biggest challenge: managing people, not pets ✅ What’s next for Dogdrop and their national expansion ✅ How customer reviews helped shape the business ✅ Shaina’s top advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

• Website: https://www.join.dogdrop.co

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shainadenny/

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

• X (Twitter): https://x.com/shainadenny

Need capital, business credit, or help scaling your service-based brand? 👉 Schedule a free strategy session: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/contact-irv-cruze-yt

🎙️ From Rooftops to Boardrooms: Ron Cuff’s Journey in Building Ethical, Scalable Businesses

In this episode of Credit Banc's Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz sits down with Ron Cuff, founder of High Point Roofing & Remodeling and The Forge Project, to explore his transformation from an insurance consultant to a successful entrepreneur in the roofing industry.

Ron shares his insights on:

• ✅ Identifying the need for ethical and quality roofing services

• ✅ Leveraging customer referrals to grow a business

• ✅ Overcoming challenges in securing financing for startups

• ✅ The importance of reinvesting profits for long-term success

• ✅ Launching The Forge Project to mentor contractors in business skills

• ✅ The value of mentorship and community support in entrepreneurship

• ✅ His future plans for business growth and supporting fellow entrepreneurs

Whether you're a contractor, entrepreneur, or someone interested in building a customer-centric business, Ron's story offers valuable lessons on resilience, strategy, and the power of mentorship.

👉 Connect with Ron Cuff:

• Company Website: https://hproofs.com

• Personal Website: https://ronaldcuff.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-cuff-a6a470179/

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

Need funding solutions or strategic growth advice for your small business? Schedule a call with Irv today: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/contact-irv-cruze-yt

🎙️ From Corporate to Consultant: Alexis Quintal on Personal Branding, Team Building & Growth

In this episode of Credit Banc's Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz interviews Alexis Quintal, founder of Rosarium, to explore her transition from corporate marketing to building a thriving personal branding consultancy.

Alexis opens up about the journey of launching her own business without heavy capital, why she opted for a contractor-based model, and the role networking played in fueling her growth. She also shares her insights on collaboration, loneliness in entrepreneurship, and exciting plans for her future as a speaker and author.

• ✅ How Alexis built Rosarium without major capital investment

• ✅ The power of authentic networking in growing a business

• ✅ Why she ditched full-time hires for a flexible contractor model

• ✅ The challenges (and rewards) of trusting your team

• ✅ How collaboration helps combat entrepreneurial isolation

• ✅ Her goals for publishing a book and expanding her brand

• ✅ A free personal branding quiz to help define your voice

👉 Take the Personal Branding Quiz + Learn More: https://rosarium.work

• Website: https://rosarium.work

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexisrquintal/

Need capital, better credit, or a game plan to scale your business? Book a free strategy call: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/contact-irv-cruze-yt

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

• The Liquid Lunch Project Podcast: https://theliquidlunchproject.com/

🎙️ From Struggles to Success: Walter Dusseldorp's Leadership Transformation

In this episode of Credit Banc's Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz sits down with Walter Dusseldorp, founder of TheDutchMentor.com, to explore his remarkable journey from facing challenges in the business world to establishing a thriving coaching enterprise. Walter shares insights into the leadership gaps he identified and how trust, personal branding, and mentorship became the cornerstones of his success.

Discover how Walter:

• Recognized and addressed the deficiencies in traditional leadership training programs

• Emphasized the importance of trust and personal branding in building a successful business

• Launched a coaching business with minimal capital and scaled it effectively

• Developed pricing strategies that resonate with clients and ensure sustainability

• Leveraged client referrals and success stories to grow his mentorship program

• Envisions the future of leadership coaching and his plans for expansion

Whether you're an aspiring coach, a business leader, or someone passionate about personal development, Walter's story offers valuable lessons on resilience, strategy, and the power of effective leadership.

👉 Learn more about Walter Dusseldorp and The Dutch Mentor:

• Website: https://thedutchmentor.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walter-dusseldorp-mba-fache-8965b610/

Need funding solutions or strategic growth advice for your small business? Schedule a call with Irv today: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/contact-irv-cruze-yt

🎙️ From Publishing to Marketing: Kelly Schuknecht's Entrepreneurial Journey

In this episode of Credit Banc Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz sits down with Kelly Schuknecht, founder of Two Mile High Marketing, to explore her transition from the publishing industry to launching her own marketing firm. Kelly shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of building a startup, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and personal development.

Discover how Kelly:

• Leveraged her publishing background to identify a niche in marketing

• Overcame the hurdles of starting a business from scratch

• Achieved rapid client acquisition through clarity of vision

• Plans for sustainable growth and future aspirations

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, Kelly's story offers valuable lessons on resilience, strategy, and the entrepreneurial spirit.

👉 Learn more about Kelly Schuknecht and Two Mile High Marketing:

• Website: https://kellyschuknecht.com

• Company Website: https://twomilehighmarketing.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyschuknecht

Need funding solutions or strategic growth advice for your small business? Schedule a call with Irv today: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/contact-irv-cruze-yt