Podcast
The Small Business Safari
Hosted by Chris Lalomia · EN
Have you ever sat there and wondered "What am I doing here stuck in the concrete zoo of the corporate world?" Are you itching to get out? Chris Lalomia and his co-host Alan Wyatt traverse the jungle of entrepreneurship. Together they share their stories and help you explore the wild world of SCALING your business. With many years of owning their own small businesses, they love to give insight to the aspiring entrepreneur. So, are you ready to make the jump?
38episodes
Episodes
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From Prison To Purposeful Entrepreneurship | Fleet Maull
1w ago00:47:04Tap to summarizeSend us Fan Mail What do you do when your biggest mistake costs you 14 years in federal prison? Fleet Maull turned that experience into the foundation for building a successful business, a life of purpose, and a mindset every entrepreneur can learn from.SUMMARY: In this powerful episode of The Small Business Safari, Chris and Alan sit down with Fleet Maull, entrepreneur, author, mindfulness teacher, and Inc. 5000 business founder, to explore the extraordinary journey from federal prison to business success. Fleet shares how radical responsibility, self-awareness, and nervous system regulation helped him rebuild his life after incarceration and create opportunities where most people would only see obstacles.We dive into practical lessons for business owners, including overcoming imposter syndrome, leading under pressure, managing stress, and navigating today's increasingly distracted and polarized world. Fleet also explains why AI is creating unprecedented opportunities for entrepreneurs and shares a simple breathing technique that can help you think more clearly, stay calm, and make better decisions.Whether you're trying to scale a business, overcome setbacks, or simply become a more effective leader, this conversation offers actionable insights you can put to work immediately.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • How Fleet transformed a 14-year prison sentence into a masterclass in personal growth • The power of radical responsibility in business and life • Building a successful consulting business after prison at age 50 • Why nervous system regulation is a competitive advantage for leaders • Straw breathing: a simple technique to reduce stress and improve decision-making • Managing anger, distraction, and polarization in today's world • How AI is lowering barriers and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs • Moving from overwhelmed operator to strategic CEO🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://heartmind.co • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fleet-maull-13306812b🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia • Website | https://chrislalomia.comIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who could benefit from Fleet's remarkable story and practical leadership lessons. Every entrepreneur faces setbacks—this episode shows what's possible when you take ownership of what happens next.Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!
Transcribe →We Can Build A Better Way To Pick Candidates | Tom Joseph
2w ago00:48:07Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat if the problem isn’t the candidates—it’s the system that keeps producing them?Summary: Tom Joseph, entrepreneur, engineer, and founder of Bookminders, joins Small Business Safari to discuss a bold idea for election reform: America’s Main Street Party. Rather than trying to change the existing political parties, Tom proposes a parallel, app-based nominating system designed to give voters more influence and reduce the power of donors, party insiders, and gerrymandered districts.We explore how the platform would guide voters through multiple rounds of candidate selection, from issue-based matching and narrowing the field to virtual town halls and final voting. Tom shares why he believes technology, alternative voting methods, and citizen engagement could create a more representative process.Beyond politics, Tom draws from his 35 years building Bookminders, sharing lessons on leadership, financial discipline, and creating a company culture that puts people first. We also discuss the challenges of marketing a movement, earning media attention, and using storytelling through his Wilson’s Fountain project to bring history and civic engagement to life.If you've ever felt frustrated by politics but wondered whether there are practical alternatives, this episode offers a thought-provoking conversation about what reform could look like.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 Gold Nuggets • Why gerrymandered districts often produce more extreme candidates • How a parallel nominating process could increase voter influence • The five-stage framework behind America’s Main Street Party • The role of approval voting and ranked-choice style systems • What mobile voting security could look like in the future • Why Tom believes funding should support voters’ choices, not party agendas • The Bookminders growth philosophy built on cash-flow visibility and accountability • A leadership lesson every business owner can use: protect your employees, even if it means firing a client🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://mainstreetparty.org • Petition & Information: Available through MainStreetParty.org • Wilson’s Fountain: https://wilsonsfountain.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tomsjoseph🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram: @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia • Website: https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!
Transcribe →AI Is A Butt-Kissing Employee And Other Lessons Learned | James Lang
3w ago00:47:38Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat happens when your packed calendar disappears overnight—and you're forced to figure out who you are without the chaos?SUMMARY: James Lang joins The Small Business Safari to share a candid story of hypergrowth, an unexpected business exit, and the personal reset that followed. After building in the fast-paced med-tech world, a shareholder power play forced James off the roller coaster and into an uncomfortable season of reflection. He opens up about the emotional impact of losing the identity tied to being a CEO, the health challenges that changed his perspective, and the lessons he learned about resilience when life refused to follow the plan.We also dive deep into AI for small business owners, separating practical applications from the hype. James shares real-world examples of conversational AI, customer intake automation, insurance claim support, and operational tools that help teams work smarter—not replace people. If you're trying to understand where AI can genuinely improve your business and how to avoid expensive mistakes, this episode delivers a practical roadmap.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • Why hypergrowth can become an addiction for business owners • The unexpected shareholder move that ended a CEO chapter overnight • Navigating the emotional crash after leaving a high-pressure leadership role • How a health scare reshaped priorities and future goals • Practical AI applications that save time and improve customer experiences • Using AI intake systems to eliminate repetitive calls and wasted labor • Why AI should increase team capacity, not replace great employees • How to spot AI vendors who understand strategy versus those selling hype • Building AI solutions that produce ROI without massive budgets🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://www.overlang.com • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-lang-94329271🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia • Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!
Transcribe →Unscramble The Egg And Save Your Sanity | Marcia Riner
Jun 200:47:04Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailMost small business owners say they want to scale—but what they really want is relief. Less chaos, more profit, and a business that doesn't depend on them every minute of every day.SummaryMarcia Riner, business growth strategist, profitability expert, and host of Profit With A Plan, joins Chris and Alan to break down what it really takes to grow a business without burning out. Drawing inspiration from an unexpected source—the world-class customer experience at The Masters—Marcia explains how consistent systems, brand standards, and operational excellence allow businesses to charge premium prices and create loyal customers.The conversation dives into one of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs: becoming the bottleneck in their own company. Marcia shares practical strategies for identifying where growth has stalled, delegating responsibilities, documenting processes, and creating a business that can thrive without constant owner involvement.We also explore the role of AI in small business, from improving SOPs and scheduling to increasing margins and operational efficiency. Finally, Marcia explains what makes a business truly valuable and how owners can build a profitable company they enjoy today while preparing for a successful future exit.Whether you're running a home service company, professional practice, or growing local business, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you scale smarter.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS Why The Masters provides a blueprint for customer experience and brand excellence How premium experiences justify premium pricing The hidden ways founders become growth bottlenecks Simple steps to delegate and reclaim your time Using AI to improve operations, efficiency, and profitability Building systems that make your business owner-independent What buyers look for when valuing a business 🔗 Guest Links Website: https://profitbooster.biz Podcast: Profit With A Plan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marciarinerwww.infiniteprofitconsulting.com🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!
Transcribe →Don't Lose Money Before the Job Starts | Steve Lange
May 2600:51:10Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailYou can spot a contractor who’s about to lose money before they ever swing a hammer. It starts with the tiny details — the wrong door size, a missed window spec, or a supplier who never asks, “Are you sure about that?”What separates great contractors from the ones constantly losing money on jobs? Often, it comes down to the details — and the partnerships behind them. Steve Lange from Randall Brothers joins us to break down how strong supplier relationships help remodelers avoid costly mistakes, navigate volatile markets, and build businesses that last.From learning the building supply business at $7.25 an hour to leading a high-performing outside sales operation, Steve shares what really happens behind the scenes in contractor sales, inside sales, and customer support. We unpack the painful lessons from the 2008 housing crash, the chaos of COVID-era material pricing, and the signals smart contractors should watch in today’s market.We also dive into solution selling, setting customer expectations, leadership during crisis moments, and why the best reps aren’t just order takers — they’re trusted partners who protect contractors from expensive errors before they happen.If you’re in construction, remodeling, home improvement, or contractor sales, this episode is packed with practical insights on profitability, customer service, and surviving a changing housing market.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS Why nominal vs. actual measurements cost contractors thousands The hidden role inside sales plays when the counter gets chaotic Lessons learned from surviving the 2008 construction collapse How remodelers can thrive in today’s “opportunity market” Managing material price volatility after COVID Why listening and expectation-setting win more business The difference between order takers and true solution sellers How great companies step up during community crises 🔗 Guest Links Randall Brothers: https://randallbrothers.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-lange-b158aa42🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!
Transcribe →Why “Boring” Franchises Are Winning Big in the AI Era | Jon Ostenson
May 1900:45:17Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailAs AI reshapes white-collar jobs, more professionals are turning to recession-resistant franchise businesses that solve real-world problems and can’t be automated awayJon Ostenson of FranBridge Consulting joins The Small Business Safari to break down why some of the best business opportunities today are hiding in “non-sexy” franchises. From home services and senior care to pet services and B2B models, Jon explains why these businesses are thriving while many food franchises struggle with labor, margins, and operational chaos.Chris and Jon discuss how AI anxiety is pushing corporate professionals toward tangible businesses they can actually control, why “semi-absentee” ownership is often misunderstood, and how franchisees sabotage themselves by ignoring proven systems. Jon also shares how he evaluates franchisors beyond flashy branding, what realistic funding and profit expectations should look like, and why operational leadership matters more than hype.The conversation also dives into strategic planning using the Mount Everest metaphor and the importance of choosing a yearly focus word like “Ascend” to guide both business and personal growth.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS Why non-food franchises often outperform restaurant concepts The businesses AI can’t easily replace What “semi-absentee” ownership actually means How franchisees fail by refusing to follow systems The Mount Everest framework for long-term planning One business goal + one personal goal = better focus Real franchise startup costs and funding paths Why operators must be incentivized to scale successfully 🔗 Guest Links Website: https://franbridgeconsulting.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonostenson Book: Non-Food Franchising🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!
Transcribe →Comfortable In The Gray Zone | Lisa Tilt
May 1200:49:25Tap to summarizeSend us Fan Mail What does it really take to build a business that lasts 20 years—and not hate it by the end?Summary: Lisa Tilt, founder of Full Tilt Consulting, joins us to break down what it actually takes to build a long-term business without burning out your people or yourself. From her early days in grassroots marketing and big-brand PR to launching her own firm after a toxic work environment, Lisa shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, culture, and communication that actually works.We get into why entrepreneurs have to live in the gray, how internal communication can make or break your company, and what really changes when you go from doing the work to leading a team. Lisa also dives into scaling with intention, building a referral-driven business, and why chasing an “exit” can be the wrong goal. If you’re trying to grow without losing your culture, this one hits.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • Why “more emails” is killing your internal communication • The shift from employee mindset to true leadership • How to make decisions when there is no clear answer • Building trust through simple, consistent video communication • Why most exit strategies are misunderstood (and overrated)🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://fulltiltconsulting.com • LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisatilt/ 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!
Transcribe →What Is A Lead | Dominic Carubba
May 500:53:11Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIf your team can’t answer “what is a lead?” the same way, your CRM doesn’t stand a chance.Summary: We kick things off with real shop talk from the field, then get straight to the hidden issue wrecking most CRMs: unclear definitions. Dominic Carubba from SalesAndTechnology.com breaks down a simple, powerful framework—leads are raw inputs, opportunities are real revenue conversations, and cases are what happens after the sale.We dive into why vague language creates expensive chaos, why training alone won’t fix broken systems, and how switching CRMs can actually make things worse. Dominic shares how tightening stage criteria improves forecasting, accountability, and focus—so your pipeline finally works like a system instead of a guessing game.If you’re tired of reacting instead of scaling, this episode delivers clarity you can implement fast.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • Why most CRM problems are actually definition problems • Leads vs. opportunities vs. cases—clear and simple • How vague language creates chaos in your pipeline • Why training doesn’t fix broken systems • The real risk of switching CRMs • How stage clarity improves forecasting and focus🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://salesandtechnology.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dominiccarubba/🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.comSponsor: Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!
Transcribe →Credit Is The Foundation | Gerri Detweiler
Apr 2800:51:23Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat if your credit is the one thing quietly limiting how fast your business can grow?Summary: Gerri Detweiler, credit expert and education advocate at Nav, breaks down why credit is one of the most misunderstood—and most important—tools for small business owners. We get into the difference between personal and business credit, how lenders actually evaluate you, and why chasing quick fixes can backfire. Gerri shares practical strategies to build strong credit, manage cash flow during tough seasons, and avoid the traps that derail entrepreneurs. If you want to grow smarter, borrow better, and protect your business, this episode is a must-listen.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • Personal + business credit both impact your growth • Why business credit feels confusing and less transparent • There is no “one score”—lenders look at multiple factors • What lenders consider a solid starting score • Fix cash flow before chasing credit repair • Credit utilization and why paying early matters • How personal guarantees work (and fade over time) • Business credit cards as a starting tool—and risks to watch • Safer options when cash gets tight vs. risky fast financing • Free help from SBDCs and where to find them • AI-driven fraud and loan scams to avoid🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://nav.com/gerri • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerridetweiler/gerridetweiler.com🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!
Transcribe →The Virtual Factory | Tino Go
Apr 2100:37:50Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat if custom cabinets could be priced, designed, and built faster—without the usual headaches?Summary: Tino Go, founder of Hello Baru, joins the Safari to break down why the custom cabinet industry still runs on slow, outdated systems—and how his “virtual factory” model is changing the game. By tapping into underused CNC capacity, Hello Baru helps pros streamline pricing, design, and production with fewer handoffs and more transparency. We talk about the real-world chaos of sales, why homeowners still need skilled pros, and what it takes to build and scale a startup while resources are tight. If you’re in home services, design, or manufacturing, this episode is packed with practical insights on efficiency and growth. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • Sales chaos vs. showing up professionally • Why cabinet buying still feels outdated • The “virtual factory” explained • CNC capacity + local fabrication model • Continuous sizing with a smart configurator • Pricing based on materials, not complexity • Why pros still matter on imperfect homes • From desks to kitchens: early traction • Startup reality: funding + team motivation • Scaling through large customers and consistency🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://hellobaru.com • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinogo/ 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!
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