Idaho Business Podcast

Hosted by Spencer Ward, Business owner, Podcast host, entrepreneur

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Episodes

422

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

If you LOVE our town and LOVE small business, you are in the right place!! We interview local legends, learn business and have way too much fun doing it!!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 25, 2026Episode 41826 min

How to Protect Your Small Business from Hackers | Shad Harris

Small businesses are a bigger target for cybercriminals than many owners realize and protecting your company doesn't have to require a massive IT department. In this episode of the Idaho Business Podcast, Spencer sits down with cybersecurity consultant Shad Harris to break down cybersecurity from a small business owner's perspective. We start with the threats business owners may be underestimating, then look at how real-world cyberattacks happen and where criminals are finding vulnerabilities. From there, Shad shares practical ways businesses can protect themselves, their employees, customer information and their money. We also discuss employee mistakes, passwords and multifactor authentication, phishing and impersonation scams, AI's impact on cybercrime, cyber insurance, and what an owner should do immediately if they discover their company has been compromised. The goal isn't to scare business owners. It's to give them a practical plan for reducing their risk before something happens. If you own or manage a small business, this is one episode worth sharing with your leadership team and employees. If you'd like to reach out to Shad for his cybersecurity services, you can reach him at shadharris@gmail.com If you are feeling the love, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you are!! If you'd like to be featured on an episode go to theidahobusinesspodcast.com to APPLY! Apple Podcasts Spotify

August 18, 2026Episode 42027 min

CEO Mindset vs. Technician Mindset - Featuring Spencer Ward

A lot of business owners don't actually own a business, they own a demanding job they created for themselves. In this episode of the Idaho Business Podcast, Spencer breaks down the difference between the CEO mindset and the technician mindset and why making that shift is critical if you want to scale. We cover why great owners stop asking "How do I do this?" and start asking "Who should own this?", how to stop being the bottleneck, why being busy doesn't always mean you're productive, and how to build leaders who can make decisions without you. You'll also hear leadership principles from Alex Hormozi, Ed Mylett, and Mike Campion about leverage, delegation, leadership, and focusing on the work that creates the most value. The ultimate test: If you disappeared from your company for 30 days, what would break? If you're trying to build a profitable business that can eventually operate without depending on you every day, this episode is for you. If you are feeling the love, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you are!! If you'd like to be featured on an episode go to theidahobusinesspodcast.com to APPLY! Apple Podcasts Spotify

August 11, 2026Episode 42027 min

How to Build a Company That Runs Without You - Featuring Spencer Ward

Every business owner dreams of taking a vacation without their phone ringing every five minutes but very few build a company that can truly operate without them. In this episode, Spencer shares the blueprint for creating a business that doesn't rely on the owner for every decision. Learn how to build systems that scale, discover your company's true core values, hire people who fit your culture, empower leaders, and use the "Bus Test" to determine if your business is built to last. If you want more freedom, a stronger team, and a business that thrives without you, this episode is for you. If you are feeling the love, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you are!! If you'd like to be featured on an episode go to theidahobusinesspodcast.com to APPLY! Apple Podcasts Spotify

August 4, 2026Episode 41913 min

Getting Worse Before You Get Better - Featuring Spencer Ward

What if feeling worse is actually a sign you're improving? After a golf lesson, I walked onto the course expecting to play better. Instead, I played worse. That experience reminded me of one of the biggest lessons in business: every meaningful improvement feels awkward before it becomes natural. Whether you're learning sales, leadership, marketing, hiring, or any new skill, there's a period where your performance may actually decline. The entrepreneurs who succeed aren't the ones who avoid that target, they're the ones who push through it. In this episode, I share why embracing the uncomfortable learning phase is essential for long-term success and how it applies to every area of business and life. If you are feeling the love, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you are!! If you'd like to be featured on an episode go to theidahobusinesspodcast.com to APPLY! Apple Podcasts Spotify

July 28, 2026Episode 41829 min

Train Them or Fire Them? - Featuring Spencer Ward

One of the hardest decisions in business is knowing whether an employee needs more training or needs to be let go. In this episode, Spencer Ward breaks down the difference between skill problems and character problems. He explains why coachable, hardworking and honest employees are worth developing, while chronic complainers, drama creators and employees who constantly blame others can damage the entire company. Spencer also explains why your core values should become the rules of the game. At Nucleane, those values are: Be Honest, Work Together, Make Money and Have Fun. When employees consistently work against those values, leadership has to protect the customers, the culture and the rest of the team. You'll learn how to evaluate struggling employees, when to offer more coaching, when to consider a different position and when it may be time to show someone the door. Topics include employee accountability, company culture, leadership, employee training, toxic employees, core values, performance management and building a stronger team. If you are feeling the love, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you are!! If you'd like to be featured on an episode go to theidahobusinesspodcast.com to APPLY! Apple Podcasts Spotify

July 21, 2026Episode 41715 min

If I Were 20 Again, This Is How I'd Get Into Business - Featuring Spencer Ward

Everyone tells young entrepreneurs to start a business. I disagree. In this episode, I share the exact advice I gave my nephew when he asked how to become a business owner without money or years of experience. Instead of joining the 90% of startups that fail, I explain why I believe the smarter path is to work inside the industry you want to own, become indispensable, and position yourself to buy an established business from a retiring owner. We also discuss: Why the skilled trades are one of the greatest wealth-building opportunities today. How baby boomer retirements are creating once in a generation acquisition opportunities. How seller financing can help you buy a business even if you don't have cash. Why messy financial statements can actually create opportunities for buyers. The importance of staying in your lane and buying businesses that match your expertise. Why experience is often worth far more than a business degree when it comes to ownership. If you're young, thinking about entrepreneurship, or you're a parent wondering what advice to give your kids, this episode could save years of frustration and possibly hundreds of thousands of dollars. 🎙️ Subscribe to the Idaho Business Podcast for practical business strategies, acquisitions, leadership lessons, and real-world advice from entrepreneurs building successful companies. If you'd like to be featured on an episode go to theidahobusinesspodcast.com to APPLY! Apple Podcasts Spotify

July 14, 2026Episode 41614 min

This Employee Is Costing You Your Best People - featuring Spencer Ward

Every business owner eventually faces this leadership challenge: Is this employee trying to make my company better... or are they simply tearing it down? In this episode, Spencer breaks down the critical difference between employees who bring valuable ideas and employees who constantly challenge every decision without offering solutions. You'll learn how to: Create a culture where great ideas thrive. Know when employee feedback deserves action. Explain the "why" behind company policies. Recognize when healthy disagreement becomes toxic negativity. Protect your company culture before one negative employee drives away your best people. Featuring leadership lessons from Toyota's Kaizen philosophy, Jim Collins, Peter Drucker, Andy Grove, and practical experience from running a growing service business, this episode will help you become a stronger leader and build a healthier team. If you're a business owner, manager, or entrepreneur, this is an episode you won't want to miss. If you are feeling the love, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you are!! If you'd like to be featured on an episode go to theidahobusinesspodcast.com to APPLY! Apple Podcasts Spotify

July 7, 2026Episode 41516 min

The Hidden Fortune Sitting in Your Customer List - Featuring Spencer Ward

Most business owners are chasing more leads while ignoring the biggest opportunity they already have, the customers they've already earned. In this episode Spencer explains why your existing customer list may be your most valuable asset and how adding complementary services can dramatically increase customer lifetime value without spending more on advertising. Learn how businesses like roofers, asphalt contractors, remodelers, retailers, and service companies can create recurring revenue by solving additional problems for the customers they already serve. Spencer also shares practical examples of using a CRM to automate follow-up campaigns, schedule recurring services, and generate new revenue with almost no extra effort. You'll also hear business insights from Alex Hormozi, Peter Drucker, and Jay Abraham on customer retention, increasing purchase frequency, and creating more value for every client. If you've ever wondered how to grow your business without constantly chasing new customers, this episode is for you. In this episode: Why your current customer list is worth more than you think How to identify new services your customers already need Simple examples of recurring revenue opportunities Using automation and CRMs to generate sales on autopilot How increasing customer lifetime value can transform your business Lessons from Alex Hormozi, Peter Drucker, and Jay Abraham Subscribe to the Idaho Business Podcast for practical, no-fluff strategies to help you build a stronger, more profitable business. If you are feeling the love, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you are!! If you'd like to be featured on an episode go to theidahobusinesspodcast.com to APPLY! Apple Podcasts Spotify

June 30, 2026Episode 41410 min

The Privilege of Doing Business in America - Featuring Spencer Ward

What if the biggest advantage in your business isn't your product, your marketing, or your experience... but where you live? In this episode of the Idaho Business Podcast, Spencer Ward discusses why America remains one of the greatest places in the world to build a business and why Idaho may be one of the best states to pursue the American Dream. From the entrepreneurial freedoms many of us take for granted to the values that have made this country an economic powerhouse, this episode is a reminder to step back, gain perspective, and appreciate the opportunities we have as business owners. You'll learn: Why America continues to be a global leader in entrepreneurship The freedoms that make building a business possible Why property rights and second chances matter The advantages of owning a business in Idaho How entrepreneurs can help preserve the American Dream for the next generation Whether you're just getting started or already running a successful company, this episode will leave you with a renewed sense of gratitude and motivation to build something that lasts. 🇺🇸 Because one of the best ways to honor America is to create jobs, serve your community, and leave it better than you found it. If you are feeling the love, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you are!! If you'd like to be featured on an episode go to theidahobusinesspodcast.com to APPLY! Apple Podcasts Spotify

June 9, 2026Episode 41219 min

How Great Businesses Keep Customers For Life - Featuring Spencer Ward

Most business owners focus on getting new customers, but the real money is made by keeping the customers they already have. In this episode of The Idaho Business Podcast, Spencer discusses customer retention, customer journey mapping, complaint resolution, reducing churn, communication, and how to create loyal customers who refer business for years. Learn practical ways to improve the customer experience, strengthen relationships, and build a business that customers never want to leave. If you are feeling the love, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you are!! If you'd like to be featured on an episode go to theidahobusinesspodcast.com to APPLY! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube