Simply Business Podcast

Hosted by John K Jennings

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Episodes

114

Latest episode

Aug 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

August 17, 202631 min

Should You Really Own a Business? With Patrice Miles

Is entrepreneurship the right next step—or is there a better path? In this episode of the Simply Business Podcast, John Jennings welcomes Patrice Miles , Career Ownership Coach with The Entrepreneur's Source and host of the Journey to Business Ownership – Freedom Friday Podcast . Patrice helps professionals navigate one of life's biggest career decisions by evaluating whether business ownership truly aligns with their goals, personality, financial objectives, and desired lifestyle. Whether someone wants to start a business, buy an existing company, or explore franchise ownership, her process is centered on education, clarity, and confidence. In this conversation, you'll learn: How to know if business ownership is right for you The differences between starting, buying, and franchising a business Why due diligence matters more than excitement Common misconceptions about entrepreneurship How to build a career that creates freedom and purpose If you're thinking about your next chapter—or simply want a realistic conversation about entrepreneurship—this episode offers practical wisdom that can help you make a better decision. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who's considering becoming a business owner.

August 3, 202627 min

Building a Business When Only You Believes in You

What does it really take to build a business from scratch? In this episode of the Simply Business Podcast, John Jennings sits down with Ben Engel , owner of JBT Cleanout , to discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, building momentum, and creating opportunities through action. Ben shares how he launched his company, the lessons he's learned along the way, and why networking, continuous learning, and surrounding yourself with the right people have become the foundation of his success. They also discuss: Starting a business without waiting for perfect timing Building confidence through experience Marketing through relationships and social media Growing multiple businesses Leading people while continuing to learn yourself Developing the mindset to overcome criticism and setbacks Whether you're launching your first company or looking to grow the one you already have, this conversation offers practical advice and genuine encouragement from someone building it in real time. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who would benefit from the conversation.

June 30, 202623 min

It’s Different When It’s Yours - Stepping Into Ownership, Legacy, and Responsibility with Jesse Bray

In this episode of Simply Business , we sit down with Jesse Bray, CEO of Quantum Enterprises, to talk about what it really looks like to step into ownership of an existing business. This isn’t a startup story — it’s something different. Jesse shares his experience of acquiring a company he was already familiar with — and how quickly things change when the responsibility becomes yours. We dive into the shift from employee to owner, the pressure of making decisions without a fallback, and the challenge of leading a business with its own history, team, and expectations. This is a candid conversation about ownership — not in theory, but in practice — and what it demands from you as a leader. 👉 If you’re considering buying a business or stepping into a larger leadership role, this episode gives you a real-world perspective on what that transition requires.

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 decade Doug’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 today If 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 connection Chris 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!