Podcast
The Small Nation Podcast
Hosted by Small Nation · EN
We want to welcome you to The Small Nation Podcast where we share the valuable lessons that we’ve learned about entrepreneurship, real estate, economic development, and more. The point of this podcast is to create value for you, the listener, and to create a space to learn, talk about what’s trending, and inspire others.
15episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
107 | The Truth About Being a Real Estate Developer | The Small Nation Podcast Ft. Andy Warnock
2w ago00:50:11Summary readyWhat separates a property owner from a neighborhood developer?In Episode 107 of The Small Nation Podcast, Jason Duff sits down with Andy Warnock, Founder and CEO of Westwood Collective, to explore what it really takes to transform historic downtowns into thriving destinations.Drawing from more than 20 years in commercial real estate and community development, Andy shares the lessons he's learned revitalizing downtowns in Hilliard, Plain City, London, and Delaware, Ohio. From finding the right tenant mix and supporting local entrepreneurs to creating walkable destinations and embracing public-private partnerships, this conversation is packed with practical advice for anyone passionate about building stronger communities.Whether you're a real estate developer, entrepreneur, mayor, chamber leader, business owner, or simply someone who cares about your hometown, you'll find actionable ideas you can apply in your own community.Andy also shares stories from two decades in commercial real estate—including the mistakes, setbacks, and victories that shaped his approach to development—and explains why the best projects aren't always the most profitable.If you're interested in downtown revitalization, Main Street development, entrepreneurship, placemaking, commercial real estate, or rural economic development, this episode is full of practical insights from someone helping shape communities across Ohio.Subscribe to The Small Nation Podcast for more conversations with entrepreneurs, developers, business leaders, and community builders creating thriving small towns across America.Guest Links:Westwood CollectiveAndy Warnock:LinkedInSmall Nation:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokThe Small Nation PodcastWatch on YouTubeFriday Small Talk NewsletterJoin the Conversation | Making Small Successful Facebook GroupFollow Your Host:Jason DuffLinkedInFacebook#SmallNationPodcast #Honda #Ohio #EconomicDevelopment #Manufacturing #CommunityDevelopment #SmallTowns #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #WorkforceDevelopment #RuralAmerica #Innovation #DowntownRevitalization #MadeInAmerica #Placemaking
Summary106 | Why Honda Chose Rural Ohio | The Small Nation Podcast Ft. Jeff Reed
3w ago00:52:59Summary readyWhy did Honda choose rural Ohio over every other location in North America—and why has it continued investing here for more than 40 years?In this episode of The Small Nation Podcast, Jason Duff sits down with Jeff Reed, Community & Government Relations Director at Honda, to explore one of the most influential economic development stories in Ohio's history.What began with a motorcycle plant in Marysville grew into an innovation ecosystem that now supports more than 15,000 Honda associates in Ohio and contributes to over 100,000 jobs throughout the state. Jeff shares the remarkable story of Honda's first investment, why people—not incentives—were the deciding factor, and how partnerships between business, education, and local communities continue to drive growth today.Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, mayor, chamber leader, economic developer, student, or simply passionate about the future of rural America, this conversation offers valuable leadership lessons on building strong communities and attracting long-term investment.This episode is about much more than automobiles. It's about people, partnerships, entrepreneurship, and how visionary leadership can transform an entire region for generations.If you care about economic development, downtown revitalization, manufacturing, workforce development, entrepreneurship, community leadership, or the future of small-town America, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Subscribe to The Small Nation Podcast for conversations with entrepreneurs, community builders, business leaders, and innovators who are creating thriving places across America.Guest Links:Top 10 of Cars.com 2026 American-Made IndexSmall Nation:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokThe Small Nation PodcastWatch on YouTubeFriday Small Talk NewsletterJoin the Conversation | Making Small Successful Facebook GroupFollow Your Host:Jason DuffLinkedInFacebook#SmallNationPodcast #Honda #Ohio #EconomicDevelopment #Manufacturing #CommunityDevelopment #SmallTowns #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #WorkforceDevelopment #RuralAmerica #Innovation #DowntownRevitalization #MadeInAmerica #Placemaking
Summary105 | Why Some Small Towns Thrive | The Small Nation Podcast Ft. Sarah Stephens Krupp & Renee Smith
Jul 100:52:20Summary readyWhat separates thriving small towns from communities that struggle to move forward?In this episode of The Small Nation Podcast, Jason Duff sits down with Sarah Stephens Krupp and Renee Smith, co-founders of Thrive Community Partners, to uncover the strategies that help rural communities secure grant funding, revitalize downtowns, support entrepreneurs, and build long-term economic momentum.Drawing from their success transforming Fostoria, Ohio—and now helping communities across the Midwest—they share practical lessons on community leadership, public-private partnerships, entrepreneurship, grant writing, capacity building, and sustainable economic development.Whether you're a mayor, chamber director, nonprofit leader, economic developer, elected official, or simply passionate about your hometown, this conversation is packed with actionable insights you can apply in your own community.If you're looking for practical ideas to strengthen your community, attract investment, support local businesses, and create lasting economic impact, this episode is a must-listen.Guest Links:Thrive Community PartnersSarah Stephens Krupp: FacebookLinkedInRenee Smith:FacebookLinkedInSmall Nation:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokThe Small Nation PodcastWatch on YouTubeFriday Small Talk NewsletterJoin the Conversation | Making Small Successful Facebook GroupFollow Your Host:Jason DuffLinkedInFacebook#SmallNationPodcast #EconomicDevelopment #SmallTowns #DowntownRevitalization #GrantWriting #CommunityDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #RuralDevelopment #Leadership #Ohio #PublicPrivatePartnerships #CommunityRevitalization #SmallBusiness #MainStreet #GrantFunding
Summary104 | The Findlay Formula | The Small Nation Podcast Ft. Mayor Christina Muryn
Jun 2400:41:44Summary readyThis is episode 104 of The Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small-town success. In this episode, Mayor Christina Muryn unpacks what makes Findlay, Ohio, special and how Findlay is impacting other communities internationally. She shares insights on collaboration, combating negativity, future development, and more. Guest Links:Findlay, OH WebsiteFindlay, OH FacebookFindlay, OH InstagramMayor Christina Muryn: FacebookLinkedInSmall Nation:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokThe Small Nation PodcastWatch on YouTubeFriday Small Talk NewsletterJoin the Conversation | Making Small Successful Facebook GroupFollow Your Host:Jason DuffLinkedInFacebook
Summary103 | Building a Healthy Community | The Small Nation Podcast Ft. Luciano Gomes
Jun 300:57:24Summary readyThis is episode 103 of The Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small-town success. Luciano Gomes is the owner of Legado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in downtown Bellefontaine, Ohio. Listen as Lu shares why a healthy community is so important and how he uses his business to make a difference in the lives of his students. Guest Links:Legado Brazilian Jiu-JitsuLegado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu FacebookLegado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu InstagramLuciano Gomes:FacebookSmall Nation:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokThe Small Nation PodcastWatch on YouTubeFriday Small Talk NewsletterJoin the Conversation | Making Small Successful Facebook GroupFollow Your Host:Jason DuffLinkedInFacebook
Summary102 | Small Town Development | The Small Nation Podcast Ft. Katie Neason
Apr 800:53:13Summary readyThis is episode 102 of The Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. Katie Neason is a rockstar, small town developer from Bryan, Texas. She came to visit Small Nation in Bellefontaine, Ohio to discuss the power of redevelopment in small markets. Guest Links:Katie Neason WebsiteKatie NeasonFacebookInstagramLinkedInSmall Nation:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokThe Small Nation PodcastWatch on YouTubeFriday Small Talk NewsletterJoin the Conversation | Making Small Successful Facebook GroupFollow Your Host:Jason DuffLinkedInFacebook
Summary101 | Courage to Lease the Storefront | The Small Nation Podcast Ft. Jamie and Robin Burton
Feb 1800:42:42Summary readyThis is episode 101 of The Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. Mother and daughter duo, Robin and Jamie Burton, worked with Small Nation to take their mobile coffee shop into a storefront in downtown Bellefontaine. Allways Brewin’ has become a local favorite and has proven to be a successful addition to the existing coffee scene in the community. Guest Links:Allways Brewin’Allways Brewin’ FacebookAllways Brewin’ InstagramJamie Burton: FacebookRobin Burton:FacebookSmall Nation:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokThe Small Nation PodcastWatch on YouTubeFriday Small Talk NewsletterJoin the Conversation | Making Small Successful Facebook GroupFollow Your Host:Jason DuffLinkedInFacebook
Summary100 | Entrepreneurial Evolution | The Small Nation Podcast Ft. Carly Bogard & Hannah Wischmeyer
Feb 5, 202500:54:46Summary readyThis is episode 100 of The Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. On this episode we host Carly Bogard and Hannah Wischmeyer to share their entrepreneurial journey as sisters and how their business has evolved through the years. Today the own and operated The Morning Riot in downtown Bellefontaine out of the Mainstreet Marketplace. Title Sponsor Coverlink Insurance Guest Links: The Morning Riot Hannah Wischmeyer LinkedIn Facebook Carly Bogard Facebook Small Nation: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter TikTok The Small Nation Podcast Website YouTube Friday Small Talk Newsletter Join the Conversation | Making Small Successful Facebook Group Follow Your Hosts: Jason Duff LinkedIn Facebook Ethan DeLeon LinkedIn Facebook
Summary99 | Living Life by Design | The Small Nation Podcast Featuring Donna Krech
Jan 22, 202500:55:58Tap to summarizeWelcome to episode 99 of The Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. On this episode we host health and wellness entrepreneur Donna Krech to talk about how to thrive in 2025 and live your life by design. She shares some of the valuable lessons she has learned from running multiple multimillion dollar businesses and how she helps other business owners take back control of their lives. Title Sponsor Coverlink Insurance Guest Links: Turbo Fast Weight Loss Donna Krech LinkedIn Facebook Website Small Nation: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter TikTok The Small Nation Podcast Website YouTube Friday Small Talk Newsletter Join the Conversation | Making Small Successful Facebook Group Follow Your Hosts: Jason Duff LinkedIn Facebook Ethan DeLeon LinkedIn Facebook
Transcribe →98 | Navigating Public Relations | The Small Nation Podcast Featuring Hinda Mitchell
Jan 1, 202500:50:51Tap to summarizeThis is episode 98 of The Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. Public relations can be a difficult part of business to master. On this episode, we speak to the President and Founder of Inspire PR, Hinda Mitchell, to learn the importance of communicating well to the public along with some helpful tips and tricks. Title Sponsor Coverlink Insurance Guest Links: Inspire PR Hinda Mitchell LinkedIn Facebook Small Nation: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter TikTok The Small Nation Podcast Website YouTube Friday Small Talk Newsletter Join the Conversation | Making Small Successful Facebook Group Follow Your Hosts: Jason Duff LinkedIn Facebook Ethan DeLeon LinkedIn Facebook
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