New Business Jump Start Show

Hosted by Evan Palmer

Business Entrepreneurship Management EducationInterviews guests

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Jun 2026

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About the show

If you've ever thought about starting your own business, this is the podcast for you. Perhaps you've had a career doing something else and are ready to finally jump into the entrepreneurial waters. Maybe you're looking to build a profitable side project. Or perhaps there's an idea you've had for a long time and you're ready to finally take action. Whatever the situation may be, when people go into business for themselves, there's a LOT to know: accounting, sales, marketing, production, custom

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58 recent

June 16, 202627 min

57. Replacing the Hustle with Systems and Processes with Mike DeJong

Mike DeJong is a multi-business owner, keynote speaker, and author of "Grow Smart: Your Path to Freedom - Mastering the Transformation from Operator to Owner." He shared his journey from corporate America to franchise ownership, highlighting the challenges of transitioning from being an operator to a business owner. He emphasized the importance of building systems and processes rather than just hustling to grow a business smartly. Mike also discussed the concept of the "operator trap" and the need for business owners to shift their mindset to overcome this challenge. The conversation touched on how new business owners can navigate the transition from their expertise in one area to managing multiple aspects of running a business. Mike discussed three archetypal business leadership roles: GSD (Get Stuff Done) people, Architects who focus on processes and policies, and Hunters who excel at marketing and sales. He explained how recognizing one's primary leadership style can help business owners fill gaps in their operations and delegate tasks more effectively. Mike emphasized the importance of understanding and leveraging different leadership strengths rather than trying to do everything oneself. The discussion also touched on:  the importance of financial discipline and understanding cash flow  strategies for hiring and compensating employees  The use of performance-based bonuses and equity stakes rather than high upfront salaries  creating systems for business operations, particularly for tasks that require more than three steps or are repeated frequently   Site: www.mikedejong.com Email: Mike@mikedejong.com   Also mentioned during the show: To get your Free Guide, The 5 A.I. Tools Guide Visit https://www.newbusinessjumpstart.com

June 2, 202629 min

56. Creative Marketing Strategies for the New Medical Practice with Cammy Lawlor

Cammy Lawlor is a Speech-language Pathologist and owner of Idaho Speech & Swallow Services, discussed her journey of starting a private practice dedicated to providing patient-centered speech, voice and swallowing therapy. Cammy shared her career journey, explaining that she initially studied communication and worked in sales and marketing. Inspired by a family member's stroke recovery, she pursued a degree in speech-language pathology and later decided to start her own practice during COVID-19. She detailed her initial marketing strategies, including visiting doctor's offices with bagels and coffee to introduce her services, offering free voice classes at community centers, and leveraging personal connections to build referrals. Cammy explained how she grew her practice over five and a half years to include five therapists, and discussed her current focus on mentoring staff while balancing business growth and patient care. She discussed her approach to client outreach, explaining how she used a simple Google Doc system for follow-ups and offered informal meet-and-greets with refreshments to make potential clients more receptive. She described securing a consistent opportunity teaching voice classes at a YMCA's Parkinson's program through a connection, which later led to speaking engagements and additional clients. Cammy explained that her most successful outreach strategy involved getting referrals from doctors through mutual patients, which made cold outreach more effective than direct solicitation.   Site: https://www.idahospeechswallowservices.com/ Email: cammy@idspeechswallow.com    Also mentioned during the show: To get your Free Guide, The 5 A.I. Tools Guide Visit https://www.newbusinessjumpstart.com

May 19, 202628 min

55. PR That Works with Steve Turner

Steve Turner is a public relations expert and co-owner of Solomon Turner PR and author of the book, PR That Works. He discussed the fundamentals of public relations for small businesses, emphasizing that the foundational approach is similar regardless of company size. He outlined a five-step process: defining objectives, identifying the target audience, creating key messaging, determining the delivery system, and measuring results. Regarding the differences between marketing and public relations, Steve explained that marketing focuses on producing materials to directly support sales and generate revenue while PR builds long-term trust and credibility through content like articles, interviews, and community engagement. He emphasized that PR helps establish a company's reputation and builds positive brand perception among customers and stakeholders, distinguishing it from immediate sales-focused marketing tactics. Steve also discussed his book, PR That Works, which contains 28 strategies, 14 case studies, and interviews with top PR professionals. He explained that the book is designed for small business owners, new PR professionals, and anyone looking to understand public relations better. Site: https://solomonturner.com/ Site: www.getprthatworks.com Email: sturner@solomonturner.com Phone: (314) 205-0800 Book link: PR That Works   Also mentioned during the show: To get your Free Guide, The 5 A.I. Tools Guide Visit https://www.newbusinessjumpstart.com

May 5, 202630 min

54. Building 7-Figure Businesses While Raising Kids with Beth Mazza

Beth Mazza is a three-time entrepreneur and author of the book, Entrepreneur Like a Mother, coming out in September. Beth discussed her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting two successful service businesses in financial communications. She emphasized the mindset shift needed in entrepreneurship, particularly encouraging taking calculated risks and reframing failures as learning opportunities. The interview provided practical advice for entrepreneurs to better manage finances, build a strong support network, and make informed business decisions. To that end, Beth discussed building a cash flow statement, the importance of tracking both revenue and expenses, and using AI tools like Claude to forecast business scenarios. She emphasized the value of creating a "kitchen cabinet" of advisors, including cheerleaders, compensators, and connectors, to support business growth. Beth also highlighted the significance of calculating a business's total addressable market and ensuring it's accessible and growing before launching. The conversation also touched on: Entrepreneurial Strategy and Market Assessment Cash Flow Statements for Entrepreneurs Business Financial Planning Strategies Developing a Business Support Network Networking and Collaboration Strategies   Site: https://femalemavericks.com Instagram: @femalemavericks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethmazza/   Also mentioned during the show: To get your Free Guide, The 5 A.I. Tools Guide Visit https://www.newbusinessjumpstart.com

April 21, 202627 min

53. The tech tools to help drive your business with Christopher Carter

Christopher Carter is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Approyo Inc.  Additionally, he is a 4x best selling author of his mastering SAP series (Systems Applications and Products) as well as a minority owner of an Irish football (soccer) team. Chris shared his extensive experience in tech engineering and entrepreneurship, discussing tech tools and strategies for small businesses. This show is dripping with info you can use. Chris discussed how his small business, with only 19 full-time employees, leverages various tools and technologies, including SAP, to streamline operations and stay competitive. He highlighted the adaptability of modern business tools, allowing him to manage his business efficiently using his phone. He emphasized how small businesses can leverage AI-based tools to streamline operations, handle sales and marketing activities, and manage billing, noting that many of these tools are free or low-cost. Chris shared his experience of starting a Shopify store for $1 and discussed various business tools like GoHighLevel, QuickBooks Online, and AI tools like Gemini and Chat Hub. He emphasized the importance of enjoying entrepreneurship and highlighted common obstacles new business owners face. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christopher-carter-885159 Site: Approyo.com   Also mentioned during the show: To get your Free Guide, The 5 A.I. Tools Guide Visit https://www.newbusinessjumpstart.com

April 7, 202628 min

52. Building a sustainability-forward haircare company with Kate Assaraf

Kate Assaraf is the founder of DIP, a sustainability-forward haircare company that makes salon-quality shampoo and conditioner bars that are plastic-free, travel-ready, and built to last. She was named NJ Mompreneur of the Year, a member of the Forbes Business Council, and a former marketing and design agency executive. She is a a fierce advocate for small business, honest marketing, and conscious consumerism. Kate shared her experience launching DIP, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer needs rather than focusing solely on copying successful brands. She observed that consumers prioritize scent over hair type when shopping for hair care products, leading her to develop bars that prioritize fragrance while maintaining effectiveness. Kate used Shopify for her e-commerce platform due to its ease of use and integration capabilities, and she successfully secured distribution in refillable stores by directly pitching to store owners based on the product's quality. Kate also explained how she overcame challenges including manufacturing issues and starting her own factory. The conversation covered DIP's growth through word-of-mouth marketing and Kate's commitment to authentic branding.  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kate-assaraf-b25a741a7 Site: https://dipalready.com/   Also mentioned during the show: To get your Free Guide, The 5 A.I. Tools Guide Visit https://www.newbusinessjumpstart.com

March 24, 202627 min

51. Applying physics principles to accelerate your business with Chip Higgins

Chip Higgins is a best-selling author, speaker, business coach and mentor. He’s a former commercial banker with 35 years of experience and author of The Bizzics Way, a book that applies physics principles to business momentum. Chip shared his journey from traditional banking to entrepreneurship, a transition that took him from working directly with business owners to focusing on strategy and executive leadership. Inspired by his high school physics teacher and a Caltech physicist friend, Chip developed the concept of using physics principles like energy, velocity and momentum in business, which led to a 200-page book published by Forbes in April 2024. The book focuses on conceptual ideas rather than formulas, aiming to help business owners sustain and grow their ventures. The discussion wasn’t all about math and science, though, as Chip weighed in on the the key ingredients to starting a business as well as strategies for overcoming the inherent challenges of a startup. Chip also discussed his recent development of Bizzics On Demand, an AI-powered assistant that helps business owners apply his physics-based business framework, and emphasized the critical role of team culture and financial discipline in business resilience. Book: The Bizzics Way by Chip Higgins - Link to Amazon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chip-higgins-072a754/ Site: https://chiphiggins.com/   Also mentioned during the show: To get your Free Guide, The 5 A.I. Tools Guide Visit https://www.newbusinessjumpstart.com

March 10, 202622 min

50. A General Contractor’s Guide to Organic Growth with Mat Lawlor

Mat Lawlor is a General Contractor and the owner of Timberline Paint & Contracting, LLC in Boise, Idaho.  He discussed his transition from the maritime industry and law enforcement to starting a general contracting business. From his business’ early beginnings, Mat has emphasized a priority of work-life balance. His is a success story of organic growth as he initially gained clients through word of mouth, particularly through a connection with a realtor who needed project management help.  Unlike most, Mat has never invested in marketing. In fact, his business doesn’t have a website, yet he has thrived thanks to one critical element - strong testimonials and 5-star reviews. Mat talked about his career in the maritime industry, attending the California Maritime Academy and working on container ships and oil tankers for 10 years. He later transitioned to law enforcement in San Diego before moving to Boise. Mat emphasizing how his maritime experience with ship preservation led him to explore painting and handyman work. Mat shared how he actively seeks customer feedback, which has significantly contributed to his success. The discussion also included his approach to bookkeeping, pricing strategy, and plans for expansion. Contact: Timberline Paint & Contracting, (208) 949-1161   Also mentioned during the show: To get your Free Guide, The 5 A.I. Tools Guide Visit https://www.newbusinessjumpstart.com

February 24, 202628 min

49. Using AI to Flesh Out Ideas for Your New Business with Kasey Devine

Kasey Devine is the founder and CEO of Entravia, a software company that helps small businesses shop for the right Professional Employer Organization. A PEO is a third-party company that partners with small to mid-sized businesses to handle HR functions like payroll, benefits administration, compliance, and risk management. The term AI gets spread around liberally these days without any discussion of where one should start when it comes to actually using it. Kasey provided practical advice for entrepreneurs, illustrating in detail how anyone can start using AI in fleshing out ideas for their new business. Kasey discussed the capabilities of AI development platforms like Lovable.dev and Replit.com, emphasizing their ability to make coding more accessible to non-technical users through visual interfaces. He advised starting with simple personal projects, such as organizing shopping lists or books, to familiarize oneself with the technology before applying it to business ideas. Business is often simply about seeing a problem that wasn't being addressed and taking action despite the challenges. And now with the help of AI, technological challenges in the entrepreneurial journey are much less intimidating. Just starting using it!   Check out Kasey’s podcast: How? (Real Business Stories) Website: https://entravia.co Contact: linkedin.com/in/kaseydevine   Also mentioned during the show: To get your Free Guide, The 5 A.I. Tools Guide Visit https://www.newbusinessjumpstart.com

February 10, 202626 min

48. A Family Therapist's Journey to Owning a Group Practice with Sierra Smargon

Sierra Smargon is a licensed marriage and family therapist and owner of Rose Wellness, a group practice in Santa Barbara, CA that focuses on marginalized communities. Sierra explains how she transitioned from working with children at nonprofits to starting her own business during the pandemic, initially launching as a sole proprietor and later expanding to include multiple therapists. Sierra discusses the challenges of running a therapy practice, including the challenges of dealing with insurance companies, forecasting cash flow, and maintaining referral relationships in the community. She explained that their mental health practice primarily gains clients through word of mouth and insurance provider networks, with a focus on ethical networking rather than traditional marketing. She described how they maintain professional relationships with other clinicians while avoiding conflicts of interest, carefully navigating the competitive yet collaborative nature of the mental health field in Santa Barbara.   Contact Site: https://www.rwsb.org   Also mentioned during the show: To get your Free Guide, The 5 A.I. Tools Guide Visit https://www.newbusinessjumpstart.com