Sarah Spitsen - Nebraska Wesleyan University
The Good Life Small Business Podcast
In this episode, I sat down with Sarah Spitsen, Director of the newly formed Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program at Nebraska Wesleyan University. Sarah shares insights into how the program prepares students for the ever-changing demands of the business world. She discusses the unique opportunities available to students and sheds light on the innovative approach the university is taking to foster entrepreneurial thinking. We also talked about Sarah's journey as a small business owner and learned how, at one point, she literally made her business the focus of her life—even living out of...
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Cory Morris - Gary Michaels Clothiers
The Good Life Small Business Podcast
Join me as I sit down to talk with Cory Morris, the new owner of Gary Michael's Clothiers in Kearney. In this episode, we'll dive into Cory's shift from running a bookkeeping business to taking over a popular clothing store, the ups and downs of running a retail business, how he gets his family in on the action, and more! Cory also gives great insight into some of the things that he has taken from his bookkeeping business and used immediately at Gary Michael's store to help with efficiency and automation. Links to those can be found in the show notes below. You can learn more about Gary...
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Special Collab Podcast with Sheila Jenkinson of the Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast
The Good Life Small Business Podcast
In this special collaboration episode, join me as I sit down with Sheila Jenkinson, the host of the Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast. Sheila and I talk about our experiences in supporting and promoting small businesses in rural Nebraska. We discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing small towns, as well as the inspiring stories of local entrepreneurs. Whether you're a small business owner, an advocate for rural communities, or simply interested in the dynamics of small town living, this episode offers valuable perspectives and meaningful conversations. If you want to...
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Paul Oettinger - Pals Brewing Company
The Good Life Small Business Podcast
In this episode of the podcast, I sat down with Paul Oettinger, co-owner of Pals Brewing Company located in North Platte. Paul's passion for brewing and dedication to his business is inspiring, and this conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the brewery business or entrepreneurship in general. He takes us on a journey of how he got into the brewery business and the challenges he faced along the way. He shares some of the business lessons he learned the hard way, including how to read a Profit and Loss statement. We discuss the exciting things that Pals Brewing Company has on...
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T&T Mobile Washing - The Follow Up Episode
The Good Life Small Business Podcast
In this episode, we catch up with Tyler Schake, owner of T&T Mobile Washing. Tyler was one of our early guests, and we're excited to hear about how his business has grown and changed since we last spoke. Tyler shares with us some of the challenges that come with running a growing business, including managing employees, updating systems, and embracing how his role has changed. Tyler also provides insights into how he stays motivated and focused as a business owner and shares some of the lessons he's learned along the way. Whether you're a business owner or just interested in...
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Select Sail & Sports - Brady Storrs
The Good Life Small Business Podcast
I had the opportunity to sit down with Brady Storrs, owner of Select Sail & Sports, one of the newest small businesses in Kearney. In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the excitement of getting a business up and running, the challenges Brady faced when buying the business and moving it from Omaha to Kearney, and more! If you want to find out more about Brady and Select Sail & Sports, check out their website, or follow them on , , and ! And don't forget to check out the where you can watch full length episodes of our interviews!
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Dereck Djernes - Axe Holes
The Good Life Small Business Podcast
In this episode of the Good Life Small Business Podcast, we're talking to Derek Djernes, owner of Axe Holes in Kearney, a local business that's been killing it lately. We'll be getting into some real talk about the focus it takes to run a business while still working a day job, the unique challenges of having a business in another town, and we'll also touch on the mental and emotional toll that running a business can take. We'll get into why small business owners can be too hard on themselves and how to be more forgiving. If you're a small business owner, or thinking about starting your...
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Ryan Clark - Eustis Body Shop
The Good Life Small Business Podcast
In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Ryan Clark, Vice President of Eustis Body Shop. Ryan is currently working in this long going family-owned business and has been instrumental in growing their location in Lincoln, NE. We'll discuss the challenges of opening a new location, the benefits and drawbacks of being part of a family business, and the strategies they've used to successfully expand into new markets. If you're interested in entrepreneurship, family dynamics, or simply want to learn more about how to navigate the unique challenges of working in a family-owned business,...
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Kearney Combat Sports - Round 2!
The Good Life Small Business Podcast
As a small business owner, change is the only thing that remains the same. No matter what stage of business, there are challenges and opportunities for growth. That's why I was excited to check in with a previous guest to see how things have changed with his business. I first sat down for an interview with Richard Barajas, owner of Kearney Combat Sports, in January of 2022. Since then, I have gotten to know him more and have been paying attention to his business. I've seen how he has used social media to get the word out about his business and the different...
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Kylee Hall - Halls Electric & Services
The Good Life Small Business Podcast
This episode was a lot of fun for me. It's not everyday that I get to sit down with a guy that I went to high school with and talk about their growing business! Kylee Hall of Halls Electric & Services in North Platte has taken his business from a one man operation doing electrical work, to hiring his first employee a little over a year later, to today, where he has over 40 employees! We had a great conversation about what it was like for him getting started, the challenges he faces as a "hands on worker" that now has to run a larger scale business, what he would do differently if he...
info_outlineAs a small business owner, change is the only thing that remains the same. No matter what stage of business, there are challenges and opportunities for growth.
That's why I was excited to check in with a previous guest to see how things have changed with his business.
I first sat down for an interview with Richard Barajas, owner of Kearney Combat Sports, in January of 2022.
Since then, I have gotten to know him more and have been paying attention to his business. I've seen how he has used social media to get the word out about his business and the different channels he is using to grow the KCS brand.
We had a great conversation about the challenges of managing a growing business, what he is trying to get better at when it comes to being a leader, and what he still needs to work on as he works towards his ultimate vision for himself and Kearney Combat Sports.
To find out more about Richard and Kearney Combat Sports, check them out on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and the Combat on the Couch Podcast.
Don't forget to check out the GLSB Podcast YouTube page to watch previous interviews as well!