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?
33episodes
Episodes
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Why “Boring” Franchises Are Winning Big in the AI Era | Jon Ostenson
3d ago00:45:17Tap 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 | Lisa Tilt
1w ago00:49:25Tap 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
2w ago00:53:11Tap 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
3w ago00:51:23Tap 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!
Transcribe →Death To Voicemail | Alfredo Salkeld
Apr 1400:47:06Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailTITLE: Death to Voicemail |Alfredo SalkeldWhat if every missed call in your business was a lost customer?Summary: Voicemail is where small business leads go to die. In this episode, we talk with Alfredo Salkeld, founder of UpFirst.AI, about how AI receptionists are changing the way small businesses capture calls, qualify leads, and respond instantly—without pretending to be human.Alfredo shares his journey from leaving the “corporate zoo” to building a tool designed specifically for entrepreneurs who can’t afford to miss opportunities after hours. We dig into how an AI receptionist can follow your intake script, filter spam, text you the exact information you need, and still stay transparent that it’s AI—not a fake person.We also talk about when AI works better than traditional answering services, when a human still wins, and why new businesses should answer every call themselves before automating anything.If you run a small business where calls equal revenue, this episode will change how you think about voicemail forever.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS• Why voicemail kills small business leads • What an AI receptionist actually does • Why over-empathetic AI annoys callers • “Be concise” settings that improve AI responses • Why third-party answering services fail on scripts • Collecting the right intake details instantly • Being transparent that the receptionist is AI • Customizing tone, accents, and multilingual voices • Noise cancellation and better call transcription • When businesses should not use AI🔗 Guest Links• Website: https://upfirst.ai • Company: Up First AI Receptionisthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/alfredosalkeld/🌍 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 Running A Business Teaches You About Running A State | Brad Raffensperger
Apr 700:53:20Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat happens when an engineer and small business owner steps into public office—and decides to run for governor?Summary: Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger joins us to share how his background as an engineer and entrepreneur shaped his approach to leadership, public service, and running statewide systems that impact millions of people.We explore the parallels between running a business and running a state agency—from managing payroll stress and navigating recessions to building teams and maintaining public trust. Brad explains how early lessons in risk and cash flow influenced his leadership style and why mentorship and peer accountability were critical to building strong organizations.The conversation also dives into what the Secretary of State actually oversees beyond elections, including professional licensing and modernization efforts like Georgia’s paperless licensing system. Brad walks us through the 2020 recount process, ongoing election security improvements, and why transparency matters in maintaining confidence in the system.Finally, we discuss his decision to run for governor and the priorities shaping his platform, including affordability, job growth, public safety, and education.If you're a business owner, you'll recognize many of the same leadership challenges—just at a much bigger scale.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • How an early entrepreneurial leap taught Brad critical lessons about risk and cash flow • Surviving boom-and-bust cycles in construction and manufacturing • Why mentors and peer accountability help leaders make better decisions • What the Georgia Secretary of State actually manages beyond elections • How Georgia modernized professional licensing with a paperless system • Inside the 2020 recount and the push for stronger election security • Why Raffensperger believes business experience matters in government leadership🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://sos.ga.gov • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-raffensperger/🌍 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 →Curiosity Makes You A Stronger Leader | Tyler Chisholm
Mar 3100:43:26Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat if the biggest leadership mistake is talking too much instead of asking better questions?Summary: In this episode of The Small Business Safari, we sit down with Tyler Chisholm, marketing agency founder, podcaster, and author of Curious As Hell. Tyler shares how a simple habit—leading with curiosity—can transform leadership, sales conversations, and team performance.We challenge the reflex many leaders have to pitch, fix, and dominate the room. Instead, Tyler explains how creating space, asking thoughtful questions, and truly listening allows the right answers to surface. The result? Better decisions, stronger teams, and more meaningful customer relationships.Tyler also shares how podcasting sharpened his questioning skills and how those same skills translate directly into stronger sales calls, better coaching conversations, and healthier company cultures.From toilet paper debates that reveal culture truths to a near-disaster DIY project that proves grit matters, this conversation is packed with practical leadership insights and a lot of laughs along the way.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • A hilarious toilet paper debate that reveals deeper lessons about culture and perspective • Preparing for a sales call by treating the customer as the most important person in the room • Tyler’s journey from agency owner to podcaster to author of Curious As Hell • Why leaders lose effectiveness when they fill the room and jump to conclusions • How to coach teams through questions without giving up leadership or vision • “The meaning of your communication is the result that it gets” — a powerful leadership mirror • Creating psychological safety so questions don’t feel like traps • Practical phrasing and pauses that help curiosity become a repeatable habit • Customer service pet peeves and the problem with lazy “exceed expectations” claims • A DIY project gone wrong that proves persistence still matters in business🔗 Guest Links• Website: https://tylerchisholm.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholm/ • Book: Curious As Hell🌍 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 →No You Cannot Deduct Your Cat | Melissa Kennebrew
Mar 2400:47:28Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailTITLE: No You Cannot Deduct Your Cat | Melissa KennebrewWhat if the problem isn’t your taxes—but the system you’re using to manage money?Summary: Melissa Kennebrew of MBK Financials joins the Safari to break down why so many small business owners feel blindsided at tax time—and how to fix it before the next surprise bill hits.Melissa works with high-net-worth clients and growing small businesses that are tired of scrambling at year-end and guessing their way through deductions, bookkeeping, and quarterly estimates. In this episode, we unpack the difference between tax avoidance (legal) and tax evasion (illegal), why clean records matter more than last-minute “write-off shopping,” and the common mistakes both new and established businesses make.We also dive into the Profit First system, a simple cash flow framework that helps owners manage money the way they actually think—by looking at bank balances. Melissa explains how separating revenue into operating, owner pay, tax, and profit accounts can eliminate stress, build predictability, and help owners finally reward themselves for the business they’re building.Along the way we tackle common questions around deductions, home office fears, startup losses, and the simple habits that keep businesses proactive instead of reactive.If you want better cash flow, smarter tax planning, and fewer financial surprises, this episode is packed with practical tips you can use immediately.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • The difference between tax avoidance and tax evasion—and why intent matters • Why successful businesses still get surprised by tax bills • The biggest bookkeeping mistakes new businesses make • How the Profit First system simplifies cash flow management • Why “write-off shopping” at year end is usually the wrong strategy • Clearing up myths about home office deductions and startup losses🔗 Guest Links• Website: https://mbkfinancials.com • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissakennebrew/ • Instagram: MBK Financialsbiascorp.com/ (BIAS Corp)🌍 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 →Life Happens For Me Not To Me | Dr. Joseph Drolshagen
Mar 1701:00:40Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhy do so many small business owners hit a revenue ceiling—even when the opportunities keep growing?Summary: In this episode of The Small Business Safari, we sit down with Dr. Joseph Drolshagen to unpack the hidden forces that limit business growth. Many entrepreneurs believe the next level requires more hustle, more hours, or more pressure—but often the real constraint is the belief system running quietly in the background.Dr. Joseph explains why revenue ceilings show up at every stage of growth and how mindset, identity, and daily habits shape the results business owners experience. We challenge the “hustle badge of honor” mentality and explore a smarter path built on perception, profit, and sustainable habits.From understanding the difference between your vanity line and sanity line, to recognizing how subconscious programming influences decisions and procrastination, this conversation gives entrepreneurs a practical framework for breaking through their next growth barrier.If you’ve ever felt stuck at a certain level in your business, this episode will help you rethink what’s really holding you back—and how to move forward with clarity.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • Why adopting the mindset “life happens for me, not to me” changes how entrepreneurs handle setbacks • The revenue ceiling effect and why every new growth stage creates a new internal limit • Understanding the difference between your vanity line (revenue) and sanity line (profit and margin) • Why fear of success can actually be more common than fear of failure • How subconscious programming drives action, hesitation, and procrastination • The roots of imposter syndrome in early life experiences from school, work, and home • Using dynamic vision and emotional alignment to shift identity and decision making • Building accelerating habit systems based on what you will actually do consistently • Learning from mistakes through due diligence and iteration instead of quitting🔗 Guest Links• Website: https://coachwithjoey.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ifgtcoach (Schedule a 15-minute introduction meeting and receive a free copy of Dr. Joey’s book.)🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia • Website | https://chrislalomia.com • Website | www.thetrustedtoolbox.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!
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