From Wedding Dreams to a Fashion Empire: Jennifer Ann Johnson on Growing True Fashionistas into Florida’s Leading Lifestyle Resale Brand—Blending Passion, Purpose & Perseverance for Unstoppable Business Success. (Episode 735 - Jennifer Ann Johnson)
Release Date: 10/14/2025
Success in Business by Working Smarter, Not Harder with Sam Carpenter (Centratel) — How Systems Thinking Built a $7M Call Center, 25–30% Profit Margins, Total Freedom, and the “Work the System” philosophy. (Episode 762 - Sam Carpenter)
Grow A Small Business Podcast
In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews , founder and CEO of , shares how he built a $7M emergency call center business by focusing on systems instead of hustle. Sam opens up about working 80–100 hour weeks, hitting burnout, and the mindset shift that changed everything. He explains his “Work the System” philosophy and how documenting processes created freedom, profit, and scale. The conversation dives into pricing courage, delegation, and building a business that runs without you. A powerful lesson on achieving real success in business through...
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From Concrete to $15M Online Sales: Matthew Stafford of Build Grow Scale on E-Commerce Growth, CRO+, Scaling Teams, Cash Flow Challenges, and the Real Mindset Behind Long-Term Business Success. (Episode 761 - Matthew Stafford)
Grow A Small Business Podcast
In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews , founder of , shares his journey from running a commercial contracting business to generating over $15M in e-commerce sales. He explains how data, analytics, and user experience—not just CRO—drive predictable growth. Matthew opens up about cash flow stress, scaling teams, and hard lessons from rapid growth. He also dives into mindset, self-belief, and why the business owner is often the real bottleneck. A must-listen for entrepreneurs serious about sustainable, long-term success. Why would you wait any...
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From earning $35 a week to leading a thriving salon, owner of Hairport One reveals insights on consistency, leadership, Facebook ads, team growth, and scaling a hair and beauty business through lockdowns and rapid expansion. (Episode 760 - Maya Khoweiss)
Grow A Small Business Podcast
In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews , owner of , shares her journey from earning just $35 in a week to building a high-performing salon with a large, dedicated team. She talks about the power of consistency, personal growth, and stepping into the role of a true business leader. Maya explains how understanding your audience and smart use of Facebook ads helped scale her business. She also opens up about navigating COVID lockdowns, managing rapid growth, and leading through uncertainty. The episode is packed with real lessons on resilience, culture,...
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Success in Business: Building a Scalable Sports Tech Company Through Smart Pivots and Data-Driven Growth, Co-Founder of Athlete Agent — Creating the IMDb for Athletes and Turning Vision into a Profitable Platform. (Episode 759 - Ryan Rottman)
Grow A Small Business Podcast
In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews , Co-Founder of , shares how he built a scalable sports tech platform by identifying market gaps and making smart pivots. He explains the power of data-driven decisions, focus, and customer feedback in driving sustainable growth. Ryan also discusses leadership lessons, managing teams, and adapting quickly in competitive industries. This conversation highlights how resilience and clarity turn ideas into profitable ventures. A practical story of building long-term success in business. Why would you wait any longer...
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From Corporate Payroll to $3M Growth: Natalee Leach of The Payroll Collective shares how she scaled fast, built a values-driven team, retained clients, avoided burnout, and turned payroll into a people-first powerhouse. (Episode 758 - Natalee Leach)
Grow A Small Business Podcast
In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews , founder of , shares her journey from a corporate payroll career to building a fast-growing consultancy on track for $3M in revenue. She breaks down how values-driven leadership, people-first culture, and client retention fueled rapid growth. Natalee also opens up about managing fast scaling, hiring at the right time, and the mental strain of entrepreneurship. She explains why foundations, systems, and the right team matter more than aggressive sales. A candid conversation on sustainable growth, leadership, and...
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From $1,500 to a $4.2M Powerhouse: Ryan Hughes of Phil Hughes Office Solutions on Family Legacy, Scaling Smart, Valuing People, and Doing ‘Cool Stuff’ While Building a Thriving Business in Tasmania. (Episode 757 - Ryan Hughes)
Grow A Small Business Podcast
In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin speaks with , Director of . They explore the remarkable journey of a family business that scaled a $1,500 investment into a $4.2 million, technology-led enterprise in Tasmania. Ryan details the pivotal move from traditional stationery to digital solutions, the counterintuitive strategy that doubled sales during COVID-19, and the core philosophies of valuing people and fostering a resilient culture. The conversation offers profound insights into navigating family business dynamics, adaptive leadership, and the pursuit of...
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From Disney to Deliver Service Now: How Vance Morris Built a High-Growth Service Empire, Mastered Customer Experience, and Scaled Multiple Home Service Businesses While Working Just 90 Minutes a Week. (Episode 756 - Vance Morris)
Grow A Small Business Podcast
In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy , the founder of , joins the podcast to share his journey from a decade at Disney to building and scaling multiple successful home service businesses. He talks about creating premium customer experiences, growing his companies to a point where he now works only 90 minutes a week on operations, and the strategies he uses to retain loyal clients. Vance also explains how he transitioned from employee to entrepreneur, overcame major financial challenges, and built a strong team culture. His story highlights resilience, smart...
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QFF: From Stalled Growth to Scalable Success: Mike Goldman Shares How Strong Leadership Teams Fix People Problems, Restore Momentum, Boost Profit, and Build Businesses That Run Smoothly Without Burnout or Micromanagement. (Episode 755 - Mike Goldman)
Grow A Small Business Podcast
QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Rob...
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From Filmmaker to 4,000+ Members: Bobby DeMars of Blind Barrels shares how he built a double-blind whiskey membership, scaled fast, beat industry hurdles, and created a community-driven craft spirits brand. (Episode 754 - Bobby DeMars)
Grow A Small Business Podcast
In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews , founder of , shares how a simple blind whiskey tasting turned into a fast-growing membership business. He talks about scaling from a small idea to 4,000+ members with strong community and experience-driven branding. Bobby breaks down the challenges of regulations, marketing, and cash flow in the alcohol industry. He also shares mindset lessons on resilience, meditation, and long-term thinking as an entrepreneur. A real, honest conversation about growth, risk-taking, and building something...
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QFF: Andrew Griffiths joins the Grow A Small Business Podcast to discuss his book ‘Someone Has to Be the Most Expensive,’ showing how premium pricing boosts business, attracts clients, and elevates owner mindset. (Episode 753 - Andrew Griffiths)
Grow A Small Business Podcast
QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Michael Denehey...
info_outlineIn this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Jennifer Ann Johnson, founder of True Fashionistas, Florida’s leading lifestyle resale brand. Jennifer shares her inspiring journey from running a wedding planning business to building a thriving fashion resale empire. She talks about overcoming challenges like COVID-19 and hurricanes, the power of core values, and her belief in consistency and passion as keys to success. Jennifer also discusses leadership lessons, team culture, and how resilience and innovation helped her business grow from a small store to a 13,000-square-foot powerhouse.
Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let’s get into it by clicking here.
Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.
And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:
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What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
According to Jennifer Ann Johnson, the hardest thing in growing a small business is “staying the course.” She explains that it’s easy to get distracted by competitors or trends, but true growth comes from staying focused, keeping your blinders on, and competing only with yourself. Her mindset is all about perseverance — focusing on your own path and goals rather than comparing yourself to others.
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What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most?
Jennifer Ann Johnson’s favorite business book that has helped her the most is “Begin With We” by Kyle McDowell. She loves it because it focuses on company culture and leadership, emphasizing how standing shoulder-to-shoulder with your employees—rather than above them—creates stronger teams and a more successful business.
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Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
Jennifer Ann Johnson recommends exploring The Confident Entrepreneur, her own podcast focused on leadership, growth, and confidence for business owners. She also provides valuable free tools and resources on her website to help entrepreneurs thrive. Beyond her work, she suggests tuning into other insightful shows like The Small Business Growth Podcast, The How of Business, and Masters of Scale by Reid Hoffman — all offering practical lessons on scaling, marketing, and managing small businesses effectively.
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What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
Jennifer Ann Johnson recommends using The Confident Entrepreneur Podcast and her online resources as powerful tools for small business growth. Through her podcast, she shares real-world stories, leadership lessons, and actionable strategies on marketing, consistency, and scaling a business. Her website also offers free resources, coaching, and blogs that help entrepreneurs strengthen their mindset, improve operations, and build confidence while avoiding common business pitfalls.
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What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
Jennifer Ann Johnson’s advice to herself on day one of starting out in business would be simple yet powerful — “You can do hard things.” She believes entrepreneurship is full of challenges, but success comes from trusting your abilities, facing obstacles head-on, and staying resilient no matter how tough things get.
Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!
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Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:
Success isn’t about reaching a destination, it’s about loving what you do and finding joy in the journey — Jennifer Ann Johnson
The moment you stop learning is the moment you stop growing as a leader and as a business owner — Jennifer Ann Johnson
Consistency, core values, and courage are the foundation of every thriving business — Jennifer Ann Johnson