The Small Business Spotlight
Every business has a backstory—and we’re here to share it. The Small Business Spotlight features candid conversations with entrepreneurs across the U.S. about how they started, scaled, and stayed in the game. From first wins to hard lessons, each episode offers real insights and inspiration straight from the people who’ve lived it. Brought to you by the team at Credit Banc, this is where Main Street gets a mic
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From Roofer to Entrepreneur How Ron Cuff Built a Thriving Business
05/12/2025
From Roofer to Entrepreneur How Ron Cuff Built a Thriving Business
🎙️ From Rooftops to Boardrooms: Ron Cuff’s Journey in Building Ethical, Scalable Businesses In this episode of Credit Banc's Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz sits down with Ron Cuff, founder of and , to explore his transformation from an insurance consultant to a successful entrepreneur in the roofing industry. Ron shares his insights on: ✅ Identifying the need for ethical and quality roofing services ✅ Leveraging customer referrals to grow a business ✅ Overcoming challenges in securing financing for startups ✅ The importance of reinvesting profits for long-term success ✅ Launching The Forge Project to mentor contractors in business skills ✅ The value of mentorship and community support in entrepreneurship ✅ His future plans for business growth and supporting fellow entrepreneurs Whether you're a contractor, entrepreneur, or someone interested in building a customer-centric business, Ron's story offers valuable lessons on resilience, strategy, and the power of mentorship. 👉 Connect with Ron Cuff: Company Website: Personal Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: 📞 Book a Call with Irv Cruz: Need funding solutions or strategic growth advice for your small business? Schedule a call with Irv today:
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The Rise of Alexis Quintal: Mastering the Art of Branding
05/12/2025
The Rise of Alexis Quintal: Mastering the Art of Branding
🎙️ From Corporate to Consultant: Alexis Quintal on Personal Branding, Team Building & Growth In this episode of Credit Banc's Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz interviews Alexis Quintal, founder of Rosarium, to explore her transition from corporate marketing to building a thriving personal branding consultancy. Alexis opens up about the journey of launching her own business without heavy capital, why she opted for a contractor-based model, and the role networking played in fueling her growth. She also shares her insights on collaboration, loneliness in entrepreneurship, and exciting plans for her future as a speaker and author. 🚀 What You'll Learn: ✅ How Alexis built Rosarium without major capital investment ✅ The power of authentic networking in growing a business ✅ Why she ditched full-time hires for a flexible contractor model ✅ The challenges (and rewards) of trusting your team ✅ How collaboration helps combat entrepreneurial isolation ✅ Her goals for publishing a book and expanding her brand ✅ A free personal branding quiz to help define your voice 👉 Take the Personal Branding Quiz + Learn More: 🔗 Connect with Alexis Quintal: Website: LinkedIn: 📞 Book a Call with Irv Cruz: Need capital, better credit, or a game plan to scale your business? Book a free strategy call: 🎧 Explore More from Credit Banc: Newsletter: The Liquid Lunch Project Podcast:
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Can MENTORSHIP Really Change Your Business Forever? @thedutchmentor
05/12/2025
Can MENTORSHIP Really Change Your Business Forever? @thedutchmentor
🎙️ From Struggles to Success: Walter Dusseldorp's Leadership Transformation In this episode of Credit Banc's Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz sits down with Walter Dusseldorp, founder of , to explore his remarkable journey from facing challenges in the business world to establishing a thriving coaching enterprise. Walter shares insights into the leadership gaps he identified and how trust, personal branding, and mentorship became the cornerstones of his success. Discover how Walter: Recognized and addressed the deficiencies in traditional leadership training programs Emphasized the importance of trust and personal branding in building a successful business Launched a coaching business with minimal capital and scaled it effectively Developed pricing strategies that resonate with clients and ensure sustainability Leveraged client referrals and success stories to grow his mentorship program Envisions the future of leadership coaching and his plans for expansion Whether you're an aspiring coach, a business leader, or someone passionate about personal development, Walter's story offers valuable lessons on resilience, strategy, and the power of effective leadership. 👉 Learn more about Walter Dusseldorp and The Dutch Mentor: Website: LinkedIn: 📞 Book a Call with Irv Cruz: Need funding solutions or strategic growth advice for your small business? Schedule a call with Irv today:
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I Built a THRIVING Marketing Agency from Scratch with KellySchuknecht
05/12/2025
I Built a THRIVING Marketing Agency from Scratch with KellySchuknecht
🎙️ From Publishing to Marketing: Kelly Schuknecht's Entrepreneurial Journey In this episode of Credit Banc Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz sits down with Kelly Schuknecht, founder of Two Mile High Marketing, to explore her transition from the publishing industry to launching her own marketing firm. Kelly shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of building a startup, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and personal development. Discover how Kelly: Leveraged her publishing background to identify a niche in marketing Overcame the hurdles of starting a business from scratch Achieved rapid client acquisition through clarity of vision Plans for sustainable growth and future aspirations Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, Kelly's story offers valuable lessons on resilience, strategy, and the entrepreneurial spirit. 👉 Learn more about Kelly Schuknecht and Two Mile High Marketing: Website: Company Website: LinkedIn: 📞 Book a Call with Irv Cruz: Need funding solutions or strategic growth advice for your small business? Schedule a call with Irv today:
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Successful Leadership Experts Share Essential Skills with James Robbins
05/12/2025
Successful Leadership Experts Share Essential Skills with James Robbins
🎙️ From Pulpit to Boardroom: James Robbins on Leadership, Fear, and Growth In this episode of Credit Banc Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz sits down with James Robbins, a former preacher turned leadership expert and author of Nine Minutes on Monday. James shares his transformative journey from overcoming the fear of public speaking to becoming a sought-after speaker and executive coach. Discover how James: Transitioned from ministry to entrepreneurship, facing and conquering personal fears Developed the Nine Minutes on Monday framework to enhance employee engagement and leadership effectiveness Emphasizes the importance of leadership in maximizing employee potential Offers insights into his upcoming book that blends personal development with storytelling Whether you're an aspiring leader, entrepreneur, or someone seeking personal growth, this conversation offers valuable lessons on resilience, leadership, and the power of intentional action. 👉 Learn more about James Robbins and his leadership programs: 🔗 Connect with James Robbins: Website: LinkedIn: 📞 Book a Call with Irv Cruz: Need funding solutions or strategic growth advice for your small business? Schedule a call with Irv today:
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The Secret to Women Entrepreneurs' Success
05/12/2025
The Secret to Women Entrepreneurs' Success
🎙️ From Fashion Design to Social Media Strategy: Kait Hardiman's Entrepreneurial Journey In this episode of Credit Banc Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz sits down with Kait Hardiman, founder of Front Porch Social, to explore her transition from a fashion design background to launching her own social media marketing business. Kait shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of building a business that empowers women and mother-owned enterprises. Discover how Kait: Leveraged her design and advertising background to carve a niche in social media marketing Overcame imposter syndrome to establish a thriving business Emphasizes the importance of financial management and organic growth Plans to build a supportive community and expand her team Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, Kait's story offers valuable lessons on resilience, strategy, and the power of authentic connections. 👉 Learn more about Kait Hardiman and Front Porch Social: Website: Instagram: @frontporch_social TikTok: @frontporch_social LinkedIn: Front Porch Social 📞 Book a Call with Irv Cruz: Need funding solutions or strategic growth advice for your small business? Schedule a call with Irv today: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/contact-irv-cruze-yt
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Empowering First-Time Home Buyers! @HowToBuyAHome
05/12/2025
Empowering First-Time Home Buyers! @HowToBuyAHome
🎙️ Empowering First-Time Homebuyers: David Sidoni & the 'How to Buy a Home' Podcast In this episode of Credit Banc Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz sits down with David Sidoni, founder of the 'How to Buy a Home' podcast, to explore how he's transforming the real estate experience for first-time homebuyers. Discover how David: Identifies and addresses gaps in traditional real estate services Provides educational resources to empower first-time buyers Builds trust and loyalty through authentic content and personal branding Plans to expand his mission to support more homebuyers nationwide Whether you're a prospective homeowner, real estate professional, or entrepreneur, this conversation offers valuable insights into creating impactful connections through education and authenticity. 👉 Learn more about David Sidoni and the 'How to Buy a Home' podcast: 🔗 Connect with David Sidoni: Website: YouTube: 🎧 Listen to Credit Banc Small Business Spotlight: YouTube: 📬 Subscribe to The Weekly Newsletter: Stay updated on finance, tech, small business, and more: 📱 Connect with Us on Instagram: Credit Banc:
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Dealmaker Forum Revolutionizes Tampa Bay's Business Scene
05/12/2025
Dealmaker Forum Revolutionizes Tampa Bay's Business Scene
🎙️ Empowering the Next Generation: Silvana Capaldi & the Dealmaker Forum In this episode of Credit Banc Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz sits down with Silvana Capaldi, co-founder of the Dealmaker Forum, to explore how this innovative platform bridges the gap between finance students and local businesses in Tampa Bay. Discover how the Dealmaker Forum: Connects finance students with real-world business opportunities Fosters mentorship and networking within the Tampa Bay business community Plans to expand its mission across Florida, empowering future business leaders Whether you're a business owner, mentor, or passionate about community building, this conversation offers valuable insights into creating impactful connections. 👉 Learn more about the Dealmaker Forum: 🔗 Connect with Silvana Capaldi: LinkedIn: 🎧 Listen to Credit Banc Small Business Spotlight: YouTube: 📬 Subscribe to The Weekly Newsletter: Stay updated on finance, tech, small business, and more: 📱 Connect with Us on Instagram: Credit Banc:
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How Julia Despehoff Built A THRIVING Small Business From Scratch
05/12/2025
How Julia Despehoff Built A THRIVING Small Business From Scratch
In this episode of Credit Banc Small Business Spotlight, host Irv Cruz interviews Julia Dospehoff, co-founder of Garden of Eden Olive Oil Company. Julia shares how her journey from forensic accounting to pursuing her lifelong passion for healthy cooking inspired her to create a unique business in Tampa Bay. From crafting unforgettable customer experiences to educating the community about high-quality ingredients, Julia dives into what sets Garden of Eden apart-and how her business is sparking a love for cooking among customers of all ages. 📌 Why You Should Listen: Learn how Garden of Eden blends culinary passion with health-conscious products. Discover the importance of tasting and education in creating loyal customers. Hear Julia's insights on starting small, building personal connections, and growing through grassroots marketing. Explore her vision for expansion, including adding new products and opening additional locations. 🎧 Tune in to be inspired by Julia's story of combining tradition, innovation, and a commitment to quality. 👉 Connect with Garden of Eden Olive Oil Company: Visit their store in Wesley Chapel or shop online to experience their premium olive oils, balsamic vinegar, and spices. Who is Irv? Irv Cruz is a business advisor at Credit Banc, specializing in funding solutions, business credit, and strategic growth for small businesses. Whether you need capital, better credit, or a plan to scale, he’s here to help. Book a call with him today!
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