Simply Business Podcast

Hosted by John K Jennings

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Episodes

110

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

A business interview Podcast made by business owners for business owners called ‘**Simply Business**'. We share real stories about real people in business making big things happen. Our goal is to inspire and educate current and future leaders through sharing success stories and key learnings from successful business leaders who have already navigated some of the challenges of business ownership. I believe that most business owners are working way too hard for much too little, and one of our issues is that we over-complexify things. I also believe the answers are almost always within us or within our reach. I like to say I’m a “simple man with simple ideas”. So that's why it's called “Simply Business”. And if you enjoy the show, maybe you'll enjoy my book. Check out "Your Baby is Ugly" on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Your-Baby-Ugly-truths-business/dp/1955342768/

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 15, 202625 min

Bet on Yourself - How Doug Gardner Left Corporate Life, Built City Wide, and Learned the Long Game of Entrepreneurship

What does it really take to leave corporate life and build something of your own?In this episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Doug Gardner, owner of City Wide Facility Solutions of Louisville, to talk about entrepreneurship, calculated risk, and the realities of building a company over the long haul.Doug shares his journey from finance and medical sales into business ownership, why he chose the franchise route, and what he learned after nearly 14 years of growth.Inside this conversation:✔ Taking the leap from employee to entrepreneur ✔ Why franchising isn’t the “easy button” ✔ The importance of capital planning ✔ Delayed gratification in business growth ✔ Building systems and strong teams ✔ Growing brand recognition and planning for the next decadeDoug’s message is refreshingly simple:Business success isn’t instant.It takes risk. Patience. Sweat. And the willingness to bet on yourself.If you’re thinking about entrepreneurship—or already in the middle of the journey—this episode delivers practical wisdom and encouragement.Subscribe, listen, and join us for more conversations that simplify business.

June 8, 20266 min

Midyear Momentum: Why Busy Isn't the Same as Progress

Have you ever looked up in June or July and thought, "We've been busy this year... but what have we actually accomplished?"In this solo episode of Simply Business, John Jennings explores a challenge that many business owners and leadership teams face at the halfway point of the year: mistaking activity for momentum.Most organizations begin the year with clear goals and a focused strategy. But as the months pass, new opportunities emerge, customer requests increase, priorities multiply, and urgent issues demand attention. Before long, teams are working hard, calendars are full, and everyone is busy—but meaningful progress can begin to stall.John discusses what he calls the "illusion of momentum," the hidden dangers of overcommitting, and why leaders often struggle not with bad ideas, but with too many good ideas arriving at the wrong time.He also explores how urgency can quietly take control of an organization, pulling attention away from strategic priorities and creating a cycle of constant reaction instead of intentional leadership.As part of your own midyear review, John offers two powerful questions to consider:• What are we doing today that seemed important three months ago, but no longer moves the business forward?• If we could only accomplish three things between now and the end of the year, what would they be?The businesses that finish the year strong aren't necessarily the busiest. They're the ones with the discipline to protect focus, align their teams, and make meaningful progress on what matters most.Listen in for practical leadership insights that can help you regain clarity, sharpen priorities, and build momentum for a strong finish to the year.Subscribe to Simply Business for more conversations and ideas that help business owners simplify leadership, strengthen strategy, and grow healthier businesses.

June 2, 202629 min

From Corporate IT to Caring Excellence: Building a Family Legacy of Service - With Marcus O'Malley

What happens when an entrepreneur leaves the corporate technology world and joins a family business dedicated to caring for seniors?In this episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Marcus O'Malley, Owner and Director of Caring Excellence Northern Kentucky. Marcus shares his journey from software development and corporate leadership into the world of senior home care, where he now helps families navigate one of life's most important challenges—caring for aging loved ones.Marcus discusses how personal experiences, including the loss of his mother, gave him a deeper appreciation for the needs of seniors and their families. He also explains how Caring Excellence has grown into a unique family-operated organization expanding across Kentucky while maintaining a commitment to personalized, compassionate care.The conversation explores entrepreneurship, family business dynamics, leadership, AI in small businesses, and the importance of building trust through exceptional service.In this episode, you'll learn:• How personal experiences can shape meaningful business opportunities • The realities of leaving corporate life to become an entrepreneur • Why family businesses can be powerful growth platforms • How AI can improve operations without replacing human connection • What it takes to build trust in a service-based business • Why senior care remains one of the most important and resilient industries todayIf you're an entrepreneur, business leader, caregiver, or someone considering a leap into business ownership, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration.Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could benefit from Marcus's story.

May 26, 202629 min

Chris Morandi - Mental Fitness: Why Wellness Starts Before Crisis

What if therapy wasn’t about fixing people—but helping them become mentally stronger?In this episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Chris Morandi, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Mainspring Wellness, to explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, mental health, and community impact.Chris shares how Mainspring evolved from an early side project into a growing wellness-focused practice serving Northern Kentucky communities. Along the way, they discuss:✔ The difference between mental illness and mental wellness ✔ Why everyone can benefit from therapy and “mental fitness” ✔ The realities of building a business inside healthcare ✔ Insurance, Medicaid, and accessibility challenges ✔ Loneliness, social connection, and the importance of “third places” ✔ Why the future of mental health may depend on rebuilding human connectionChris also shares his philosophy for entrepreneurs and therapists alike: stay in the game, love the process, and play the long game.If you’re a business owner, leader, parent, therapist, or someone thinking deeply about wellness and community, this conversation offers both practical insight and inspiration.Subscribe, share, and join us for more conversations that simplify business—and life.

May 4, 202629 min

E106 - How Lauren Brown Built a Business by Adapting, Reinventing, and Refusing to Quit

In this episode of Simply Business, we sit down with Lauren Brown, co-owner of Mishalis Events, to talk about what it really looks like to build and sustain a business over time.What started as a retail food and wine store evolved — through necessity, market shifts, and major disruptions like 9/11 and COVID — into one of Kentucky’s only full-service event production companies.Lauren shares how her family adapted at every stage, why reinvention has been critical to survival, and how they used one of the toughest periods in their industry to launch an entirely new business line.This is a conversation about resilience, creativity, and the reality that most successful businesses don’t follow the plan — they evolve into it.👉 If you’re navigating change or uncertainty in your business, this episode will challenge how you think about growth and adaptation.

April 21, 202624 min

e105 - How Vas Abramov Builds Businesses by Eliminating Complexity, Not Adding to It

In this episode of Simply Business, we sit down with Vas Abramov, President of Occam Design, to talk about a principle that’s often overlooked in business — simplicity.Vas shares how his approach to business and design is rooted in cutting through complexity and focusing on what actually works. Rather than overbuilding or overthinking, he emphasizes learning through experience and refining systems in real time.We explore why so many businesses struggle by making things more complicated than they need to be, and how a simpler, more focused approach can lead to better outcomes.This conversation is a practical look at how clarity is built — not in theory, but through doing the work and continuously improving it.👉 If you find yourself overcomplicating your business, this episode will challenge you to simplify.

April 14, 202629 min

E104 - From a Credit Card to Global Impact: Building a Business That Closes the Digital Divide

What does it look like to build a business that creates both profit and purpose?In this episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Kurt Reynolds, Owner and President of ReGadget, to explore how a $7,000 bet on a personal credit card turned into a fast-growing company making a real difference.ReGadget is on a mission to keep technology out of landfills and into the hands of people who need it most—bridging the digital divide for students, veterans, and underserved communities. Kurt shares how his team refurbishes and redistributes electronics while navigating major industry challenges, from operating system shifts to rising component costs driven by AI demand.But this conversation goes beyond business strategy. It’s about resilience, culture, and leadership. Kurt opens up about building a team that believes in the mission, hiring for work ethic over experience, and staying grounded through the inevitable ups and downs of entrepreneurship.If you’re an entrepreneur—or thinking about becoming one—this episode is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t require perfection. It requires belief, effort, and the courage to start.👉 Listen now and discover how simple ideas, executed well, can create extraordinary impact!

March 31, 202642 min

Ep103-How Paul Miller turned circus life, creativity, and curiosity into multiple unconventional businesses.

In the 103rd episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Paul Howland Miller, the self-described Chief Goof Officer behind Circus Sweets and Bircus Brewing Company. Paul has spent his career living inside the world of the circus performing, creating, and building businesses around one simple idea: doing what others think is impossible.From balloon animals and global circus tours to launching unique entertainment-driven businesses, Paul shares how creativity, curiosity, and persistence can turn an unconventional passion into a thriving enterprise.Along the way, Paul explains why the circus mindset is surprisingly relevant for entrepreneurs today. The willingness to try something bold, build relationships, and lean into what makes you different can open doors you never expected.This conversation is a reminder that business doesn’t always have to follow a traditional path. Sometimes the most powerful strategy is simply having the courage to step into the ring.Listen in to discover:How Paul built businesses from a career in circus entertainmentWhy the circus mindset is a powerful entrepreneurial modelThe importance of partnerships and unexpected opportunitiesSimple advice for anyone trying to turn passion into a businessIf you’ve ever wondered whether your unconventional idea could actually work, this episode might just convince you to give it a shot.

March 24, 202637 min

Ep102-Ownership, integrity, and 30 years of steady growth with Mike Mason, President of Lawn Pro

In the 102nd episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Mike Mason, President of Lawn Pro in Louisville, Kentucky, to unpack what 30 years in business has taught him about leadership, growth, and integrity.Mike shares the story of joining the family business in the mid-90s, taking over operations, and ultimately purchasing the company in March 2020 right as the world shut down. What could have been a disaster turned into a defining growth season, as the company adapted, strengthened its systems, and capitalized on new demand.But this conversation isn’t about landscaping.It’s about leadership.Mike breaks down his simple but powerful philosophy:Do what you say you’re going to do.Own your mistakes.Fix the problem.No blame. No excuses. Just responsibility.If you’re a business owner, leader, or entrepreneur who wants practical wisdom without complexity, this episode delivers grounded insight you can apply immediately.Listen in, reflect, and simplify the way you lead.

March 17, 202625 min

Ep101-How Steve Hall Is Developing Young Leaders Through Faith, Transparency, and Real Ownership

What does it look like to intentionally build young leaders inside your company?In this episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Steve Hall, President of M&P Logistics, to explore how faith, mentorship, and transparency shape a thriving culture.After decades in transportation including starting, scaling, and selling a trucking company Steve returned to business with a deeper purpose: to integrate faith with leadership and intentionally develop the next generation of business leaders.Today, many of his senior leaders are in their 20s. How? By teaching them how the business truly works from P&Ls and budgeting to strategic growth and empowering them to “build a business inside the business.”Steve shares:How transparency builds trust and ownershipWhy mentoring young leaders requires patience and intentionalityThe challenges of leading across generational gapsHow purpose beyond profit strengthens cultureIf you’re a business owner struggling to attract or retain young talent or wondering how to build a values-driven organization this episode offers practical, real-world insight.Listen now and discover how developing people may be the greatest growth strategy of all.