Ep 41: Deconstructing Identity: Embracing Authenticity in Business and Life with Sydney Ryker
Small Business Big Deal Podcast
Release Date: 02/24/2025
Ep. 49 Integrity, Curiosity, and the Long Game with Elliott Orsillo
Small Business Big Deal Podcast
This week on Small Business Big Deal, Tracy sits down with Elliott Orsillo, co-founder of , to explore what it really means to build a business rooted in integrity, curiosity, and long-term thinking. Elliottâs journey from engineering at Stanford to leading a wealth management firm is filled with valuable lessons about resilience, partnership, and trust. He shares how a foundation in problem-solving and risk analysis shaped his approach to investing â and how staying curious has kept his business innovating and his clients grounded through market volatility. In this episode, Tracy and...
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Ep. 48 From Fairways to Fashion: The 35x70 Golf Co. Story
Small Business Big Deal Podcast
What happens when a late-night conversation about polos turns into a thriving golf apparel brand? In this episode of Small Business, Big Deal, Tracy sits down with Katy Winters, co-founder of 35x70 Golf Co., a Kansas-born company thatâs redefining golf style with a Midwestern twist. Katy shares the inspiring story of leaving a stable corporate career at Koch Industries to pursue entrepreneurship alongside her husband, Dan, a lifelong golf pro. Together, theyâve created a line of polos, hoodies, and accessories that blend classic design with Midwest-inspired patterns like wheat stalks and...
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Ep. 47 Building a Business That Honors Your Values
Small Business Big Deal Podcast
Most entrepreneurs can rattle off their revenue goals or marketing plan without hesitation. But ask them what they stand for â what they refuse to compromise on â and the silence is deafening. In this solo episode of Small Business Big Deal, Tracy pulls back the curtain on the one thing that makes or breaks your business: your values. Far from being fluffy buzzwords, your values shape who you hire, how you market, what clients you accept, and how you lead your team. Youâll hear real stories from Tracyâs own journey (including how ignoring her value of simplicity nearly derailed her...
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Ep. 46 - Dog Training, Systems, and Scaling with Ryan Wimpey
Small Business Big Deal Podcast
From Dog Training to Franchising: How Passion Turned into 24 Locations with Ryan Wimpey In this episode of Small Business Big Deal, I sit down with Ryan Wimpey, founder of Tip Top K9 Dog Training, to talk about how one stubborn rescue pup led him down the path of building one of the fastest-growing dog training franchises in the U.S. Ryan shares how he went from training dogs behind a Chick-fil-A to running a business with 24 locations, a national call center, and a fully systemized franchise model. We dive into: The painful personal story that sparked his obsession with dog training How...
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Ep. 45: Building Bold Businesses Without Losing Yourself with Jac White
Small Business Big Deal Podcast
In this conversation, Tracy Jepson and Jac White explore the realities of entrepreneurship, particularly for women. They discuss the challenges of starting a business, the importance of sales strategies, and the need for flexibility in client relationships. Jac shares her insights on overcoming sales anxiety, understanding financial needs, and the significance of building relationships for sales success. They also touch on the concept of good versus bad money and the process of pivoting in business. In this conversation, Jac White and Tracy Jepson discuss the challenges and excitement of...
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Ep: 44 Creating a World of Wonder
Small Business Big Deal Podcast
In this episode of the Small Business Big Deal podcast, host Tracy Jepson interviews Roxanne Alford, the founder of , a sustainable children's clothing brand inspired by her experiences as a new mom. Roxanne shares her journey from working in IT sales to launching her own brand, driven by a desire for gender-neutral clothing and educational products for children. The conversation explores the challenges of entrepreneurship, including sourcing sustainable materials, balancing personal life with business, and the importance of community feedback. Roxanne emphasizes the significance of...
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Ep: 43 Keep Showing Up: Building a Life of Impact, Consistency, and Connection with Jeremy Capo
Small Business Big Deal Podcast
When your identity is tied to a title and that title gets stripped away, whatâs left? In this episode, Tracy sits down with Jeremy Capoâa respected collegiate athletics administrator turned business development executive and all-around motivational force. From navigating career upheaval during the pandemic to finding his footing through faith, fitness, and a relentless commitment to showing up, Jeremyâs story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and remembering your why. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Motivation 02:50 The Journey of Consistency 06:06 Impact on Family and...
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EP: 42 Teeing Up Success: Breaking Barriers in Golf and Business
Small Business Big Deal Podcast
In this conversation, Tracy Jepson interviews Sabrina, the founder of Golf Angels, a brand aimed at making golf more accessible and relatable for women. They discuss the inspiration behind the brand, the challenges of starting a business, the importance of self-care, and how Golf Angels aims to break traditional norms in the golf industry. Sabrina shares her journey as an entrepreneur, the support she receives from her community, and her vision for creating a brand that resonates with women golfers. In this conversation, Sabrina and Tracy discuss the evolution of women's golf apparel, the...
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Ep 41: Deconstructing Identity: Embracing Authenticity in Business and Life with Sydney Ryker
Small Business Big Deal Podcast
đĄ Episode Summary: What happens when you realize success isnât just about the numbers, the status, or the accolades? In this episode, I sit down with Sydney Ryker, an entrepreneur, speaker, and mentor who took the leap from high-performing network marketer and business owner to a journey of deep self-discovery. Sydney shares her incredible storyâhow she started her entrepreneurial journey with $50 and no plan, built multiple businesses, and then walked away from it all to find true alignment. We dive into: â The real story behind her move to California with nothing but...
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Ep 40: Stand Out & Stay Consistent â SEO and Growth Strategies with Jess Freeman
Small Business Big Deal Podcast
Jess Freeman, the owner of Jess Creatives, specializes in high impact websites and SEO for business owners. She helps them improve their branding, websites, and SEO to generate more leads and traffic. Jess explains that she was drawn to SEO because she saw many business owners struggling with social media and not getting results from their websites. She combines her creative and analytical skills to help clients improve their online presence. Jess also shares her journey as a business owner, including the importance of setting boundaries and finding a balance between client work and working on...
info_outlineđĄ Episode Summary:
What happens when you realize success isnât just about the numbers, the status, or the accolades? In this episode, I sit down with Sydney Ryker, an entrepreneur, speaker, and mentor who took the leap from high-performing network marketer and business owner to a journey of deep self-discovery. Sydney shares her incredible storyâhow she started her entrepreneurial journey with $50 and no plan, built multiple businesses, and then walked away from it all to find true alignment.
We dive into:
â The real story behind her move to California with nothing but resourcefulness
â Why women in business struggle with valuing their own worthâand how to change that
â The pressure to scale, build big, and âbe a powerhouseâ vs. defining success on your own terms
â How removing societal expectations, alcohol, and external validation led to her most fulfilling life yet
â The importance of choosing clients, stages, and opportunities that align with your values
â Why success isnât just about chasing money, but about waking up at peace
This episode is a must-listen for anyone whoâs ever felt the weight of external expectations, struggled with pricing their worth, or wondered if theyâre on the right path. Sydneyâs journey is raw, honest, and inspiringâproving that sometimes, the biggest transformation comes from stripping away rather than adding more.
đ Books Mentioned:
⢠The Queenâs Code by Alison Armstrong
⢠Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker
⢠A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
đ Where to Find Sydney:
đ Website: sydneyryker.com
đ¸ Instagram: @sydneyryker
đš TikTok: @sydneyryker
đ Preorder Her Book: Available on her website!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Early Entrepreneurial Journey
02:25 Meeting a Mentor and Transitioning to Speaking and Writing
09:37 The Benefits and Challenges of Network Marketing
12:18 Finding Joy and Enjoyment in Business
19:16 Creating Minimal and Flexible Systems in Business
25:26 Defining Success on Your Own Terms
29:47 Embracing Authenticity and Personal Growth
31:31 The Journey of Self-Discovery
36:00 Aligning Values for Success
39:09 Sharing the Secrets of Entrepreneurship
42:26 Embracing the Process, Letting Go of Perfectionism
44:42 Cultivating a Healthy Money Mindset
48:26 Grounding and Recharging for Well-Being