In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Jim Donnelly, President and CEO of Wayne Bank, shares his unconventional journey into the banking industry and how a chance opportunity through a management training program set him on a path toward a long-term career in financial services. What began with limited exposure to retail banking evolved into a deep interest in commercial lending, where he found fulfillment in helping entrepreneurs and business owners turn ideas into real-world enterprises. He also reflects on Wayne Bank’s deep historical roots, dating back to 1871, and how the institution has continued to serve its communities through major economic disruptions, including the Great Depression, the 2008 financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jim discusses how the bank has navigated periods of industry stress and uncertainty, particularly during recent regional bank failures, by emphasizing transparency, strong capital positions, and direct communication with customers to maintain trust and stability. He also breaks down the bank’s approach to growth through customer journey mapping, internal process improvements, and aligning employees with roles that maximize both performance and customer experience. A major focus of the conversation is the responsible integration of artificial intelligence, highlighting how AI is being used to accelerate financial analysis, improve lending workflows, and enhance employee productivity while maintaining rigorous oversight. The discussion closes with reflections on the future of banking, including organic growth, strategic acquisitions, and the importance of culture, adaptability, and customer-focused innovation in an evolving financial landscape.

Connect:

Website: https://wayne.bank/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-donnelly-4393677/

In this episode, Dr. Darrick Carter, founder and CEO of PAI Life Sciences, shares the extraordinary evolution of his company from an early attempt at artificial intelligence–driven drug discovery into a global biotech focused on neglected diseases. What began as Protein AI eventually shifted toward solving real-world challenges in infectious disease, leading to breakthrough work including the development of the world’s first approved leprosy screening test in Brazil and a long-term mission centered on serving underserved populations worldwide.

Dr. Carter discusses PAI Life Sciences’ current work on vaccines for some of the world’s most devastating but overlooked diseases, including schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, and river blindness, as well as emerging applications in cancer immunotherapy. He also breaks down the scientific strategy behind their vaccine platforms, the complexities of scaling biotech manufacturing, and the difficult “valley of death” between early research and human clinical trials where funding is hardest to secure. The conversation highlights both the scientific innovation and the resilience required to advance life-saving treatments in a high-risk, high-impact field.

Connect:

Website: https://pailifesciences.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrick-carter/

On this episode of the Think Small Podcast, we sit down with Maggie Fouquet, President and CEO of IB Circle (International Business Circle), to explore how a small Denver-based international business network evolved into a purpose-driven think tank for global executives. Maggie shares the organization’s origin story, its growth through cycles of expansion and contraction, and how it ultimately refocused on its core mission: connecting internationally minded business leaders and expats through trusted relationships, shared expertise, and meaningful dialogue. From its beginnings with just a few dozen members to a curated community of around 200 professionals across dozens of nationalities, IB Circle has remained anchored in one principle—quality of connection over sheer scale.

Maggie also discusses how IB Circle adapted through major disruptions like the 2008 financial crisis and COVID-19, using those moments to refocus on business value and deeper engagement. She explains how the group balances networking with thought leadership, including monthly events, advisory input from seasoned global executives, and an expanding think tank initiative producing research on topics like AI and distributed global teams. Looking ahead, Maggie outlines a vision of sustainable growth, strategic partnerships, and expanded global influence—while preserving the intimacy, trust, and diversity that define the organization’s strength.

Connect:

Website: https://www.ibcircle.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-fouquet/

On this episode of the Think Small Podcast, we sit down with Chris Hewitt, Group CEO and Chief Storyteller of Berkeley PR, to explore how a lifelong background in journalism evolved into building a global storytelling agency focused on helping ambitious scale-ups grow. Chris shares how he turned a frustration with traditional PR into a mission to humanize business communication, using storytelling frameworks inspired by film and narrative structure to help brands connect more meaningfully with their audiences.

Chris also discusses how Berkeley PR has navigated decades of disruption—from multiple recessions and COVID-19 to geopolitical shifts and the rapid rise of AI—while continuing to grow and adapt. He explains the company’s strategic pivot away from reliance on large enterprise clients toward entrepreneurial, high-growth businesses, and how embracing AI has transformed efficiency without replacing the human core of storytelling. At the heart of the conversation is a simple but powerful belief: great businesses don’t make themselves the hero—their customers are the hero, and the brand’s job is to guide them there.

Connect:

Website: https://www.berkeleypr.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishewitt60/

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Timor Brik shares how Data Remote is tackling the niche but critical challenge of replacing legacy copper landlines—also known as POTS (plain old telephone service)—with modern, digital solutions. He explains how many essential systems like alarm panels, elevators, and traffic infrastructure still rely on outdated analog networks, and how Data Remote partners with major carriers to help transition these systems into more resilient, connected technologies.

The conversation explores the company’s growth journey, including how it navigated post-COVID slowdowns by doubling down on productivity instead of cutting staff, and how it’s now managing rapid expansion driven by increased demand and deregulation. Timor also discusses the importance of staying focused on core strengths, evolving the product for future use cases, and building talent pipelines through partnerships with educational institutions—emphasizing that long-term success comes from adaptability, disciplined growth, and investing in people.

Connect:

Website: https://dataremote.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timorbrik/

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Bill Black shares the journey of building National Fleet Management from a one-man operation into a multi-location, multi-state commercial vehicle service business. He explains how his early experience in his father’s shop and his time in the Marine Corps shaped his path, along with how he scaled the company through mobile services, strategic structure changes, and a focus on delivering dealership-level quality in the aftermarket industry.

The conversation dives into the realities of growth—especially the challenges of cash flow, hiring, and leadership. Bill reflects on lessons learned from nearly running out of money during expansion, the importance of separating business units, and building a high-performance team culture. Looking ahead, he outlines his goal of reaching $100 million in revenue and emphasizes that while scaling a business is far harder than expected, it’s equally rewarding for those willing to fully commit.

Connect:

Website: https://www.nationalfleetmgt.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-black-11806523/

In this episode of the Think Small podcast, we're joined by Jim Umlauf, founder and CEO of 4Knines, to explore how a simple personal problem turned into a thriving business. Jim shares how he and his wife, both from medical careers, created durable car seat covers after struggling to find a solution for their dogs. What started as a homemade fix evolved into a company built on customer feedback, high-quality materials, and innovation—resulting in over 20 patents and partnerships with major automotive brands like Ford Motor Company. He emphasizes that listening closely to customers and solving real-world problems has been the key to standing out in a highly competitive market.

Jim also reflects on the realities of entrepreneurship, from navigating rapid growth and supply chain challenges to adapting to shifts in e-commerce and consumer behavior. He highlights the importance of long-term vision, resilience, and staying customer-focused, especially during uncertain times. Looking ahead, Jim plans to expand into new product categories and customer segments while continuing to innovate within the pet and automotive space. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is straightforward: choose something you’re passionate about, be prepared for constant challenges, and trust that with persistence and the right mindset, you’ll figure things out along the way.

Connect:

Website: https://4knines.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-u-614b4b3/

On this episode of the Think Small Podcast, we sit down with Dennis Kao, serial entrepreneur and CEO of multiple technology and data-focused companies, to explore a career that began in a college garage and evolved into building, scaling, and exiting successful IT and managed service businesses. Dennis shares how he turned a passion for computers and gaming into Proactiv, a business that served healthcare, local government, and professional services clients for over a decade, eventually leading to a strategic exit.

He dives into the lessons learned from navigating economic downturns, focusing on vertical specialization, and staying true to his core competency in data and analytics. Dennis also discusses his next ventures, which harness AI and data governance to help businesses monetize their data while protecting it—positioning them for growth in the new industrial revolution. This conversation is a masterclass in disciplined focus, strategic pivots, and leading technology-driven businesses in complex, evolving industries.

Connect:

Website: https://proactive-info.com/

LinkedIn: https://cz.linkedin.com/in/denniskao1

In this episode of the Think Small podcast, we sit down with Frank McKeon, Chief Marketing Officer at NowCorp, for a wide-ranging conversation that begins on a personal note—discussing college visits and the challenges of navigating higher education decisions—before transitioning into the world of B2B finance. McKeon introduces NowCorp’s “revenue-on-demand” model, which helps professional services firms overcome cash flow gaps caused by delayed client payments. Unlike traditional accounts receivable factoring, NowCorp offers a flexible, no-commitment approach where businesses can selectively sell invoices to access funds quickly without long-term contracts, monthly minimums, or hidden fees. This model is particularly valuable for growing companies working with large clients who often extend payment timelines beyond agreed terms.

The conversation also explores McKeon’s career journey through telecom and fintech, along with his strategic approach to marketing in both challenging and high-growth environments. He emphasizes the importance of staying data-driven, avoiding reactive decision-making, and maintaining focus on core strengths rather than competitors. During periods of rapid growth, McKeon highlights the need for operational readiness, disciplined analysis, and continued investment in momentum rather than complacency. He closes with practical advice for business leaders: build strong teams, stay adaptable, and carefully evaluate financial solutions to ensure they align with long-term flexibility and growth goals.

Connect:

Website: https://nowcorp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankmckeon/

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, we sit with Brian Waldron, CEO of Dort Financial Credit Union, about leading a purpose-driven financial institution focused on community impact and member success. Brian shares how Dort Financial grew from its automotive industry roots in Michigan into a $2.3 billion organization serving over 100,000 members, and explains what makes credit unions different—from their member-owned structure to their deep investment in local communities. He also discusses the organization’s expansion into Florida and how strategic growth aligns with serving members throughout different stages of life.

Brian reflects on his career journey, from a student-run credit union in college to leading teams through complex challenges, including navigating a major fraud crisis. He emphasizes the importance of putting people first—prioritizing employees to ultimately deliver better service to members—and highlights key leadership principles like authenticity, transparency, and resilience. The episode closes with his advice to leaders: embrace vulnerability, focus on culture, and remember that big dreams require bold moves.

Connect:

Website: https://dortonline.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-waldronmi/