The Small Business Safari

Hosted by Chris Lalomia

Business Marketing Management

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Episodes

285

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Have you ever sat there and wondered "What am I doing here stuck in the concrete zoo of the corporate world?" Are you itching to get out? Chris Lalomia and his co-host Alan Wyatt traverse the jungle of entrepreneurship. Together they share their stories and help you explore the wild world of SCALING your business. With many years of owning their own small businesses, they love to give insight to the aspiring entrepreneur. So, are you ready to make the jump?

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60 recent

June 16, 2026Episode 24848 min

We Can Build A Better Way To Pick Candidates | Tom Joseph

Send us Fan MailWhat if the problem isn’t the candidates—it’s the system that keeps producing them?Summary: Tom Joseph, entrepreneur, engineer, and founder of Bookminders, joins Small Business Safari to discuss a bold idea for election reform: America’s Main Street Party. Rather than trying to change the existing political parties, Tom proposes a parallel, app-based nominating system designed to give voters more influence and reduce the power of donors, party insiders, and gerrymandered districts.We explore how the platform would guide voters through multiple rounds of candidate selection, from issue-based matching and narrowing the field to virtual town halls and final voting. Tom shares why he believes technology, alternative voting methods, and citizen engagement could create a more representative process.Beyond politics, Tom draws from his 35 years building Bookminders, sharing lessons on leadership, financial discipline, and creating a company culture that puts people first. We also discuss the challenges of marketing a movement, earning media attention, and using storytelling through his Wilson’s Fountain project to bring history and civic engagement to life.If you've ever felt frustrated by politics but wondered whether there are practical alternatives, this episode offers a thought-provoking conversation about what reform could look like.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 Gold Nuggets • Why gerrymandered districts often produce more extreme candidates • How a parallel nominating process could increase voter influence • The five-stage framework behind America’s Main Street Party • The role of approval voting and ranked-choice style systems • What mobile voting security could look like in the future • Why Tom believes funding should support voters’ choices, not party agendas • The Bookminders growth philosophy built on cash-flow visibility and accountability • A leadership lesson every business owner can use: protect your employees, even if it means firing a client🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://mainstreetparty.org • Petition & Information: Available through MainStreetParty.org • Wilson’s Fountain: https://wilsonsfountain.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tomsjoseph🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram: @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia • Website: https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

June 9, 2026Episode 24747 min

AI Is A Butt-Kissing Employee And Other Lessons Learned | James Lang

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when your packed calendar disappears overnight—and you're forced to figure out who you are without the chaos?SUMMARY: James Lang joins The Small Business Safari to share a candid story of hypergrowth, an unexpected business exit, and the personal reset that followed. After building in the fast-paced med-tech world, a shareholder power play forced James off the roller coaster and into an uncomfortable season of reflection. He opens up about the emotional impact of losing the identity tied to being a CEO, the health challenges that changed his perspective, and the lessons he learned about resilience when life refused to follow the plan.We also dive deep into AI for small business owners, separating practical applications from the hype. James shares real-world examples of conversational AI, customer intake automation, insurance claim support, and operational tools that help teams work smarter—not replace people. If you're trying to understand where AI can genuinely improve your business and how to avoid expensive mistakes, this episode delivers a practical roadmap.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • Why hypergrowth can become an addiction for business owners • The unexpected shareholder move that ended a CEO chapter overnight • Navigating the emotional crash after leaving a high-pressure leadership role • How a health scare reshaped priorities and future goals • Practical AI applications that save time and improve customer experiences • Using AI intake systems to eliminate repetitive calls and wasted labor • Why AI should increase team capacity, not replace great employees • How to spot AI vendors who understand strategy versus those selling hype • Building AI solutions that produce ROI without massive budgets🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://www.overlang.com • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-lang-94329271🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia • Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

June 2, 2026Episode 24647 min

Unscramble The Egg And Save Your Sanity | Marcia Riner

Send us Fan MailMost small business owners say they want to scale—but what they really want is relief. Less chaos, more profit, and a business that doesn't depend on them every minute of every day.SummaryMarcia Riner, business growth strategist, profitability expert, and host of Profit With A Plan, joins Chris and Alan to break down what it really takes to grow a business without burning out. Drawing inspiration from an unexpected source—the world-class customer experience at The Masters—Marcia explains how consistent systems, brand standards, and operational excellence allow businesses to charge premium prices and create loyal customers.The conversation dives into one of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs: becoming the bottleneck in their own company. Marcia shares practical strategies for identifying where growth has stalled, delegating responsibilities, documenting processes, and creating a business that can thrive without constant owner involvement.We also explore the role of AI in small business, from improving SOPs and scheduling to increasing margins and operational efficiency. Finally, Marcia explains what makes a business truly valuable and how owners can build a profitable company they enjoy today while preparing for a successful future exit.Whether you're running a home service company, professional practice, or growing local business, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you scale smarter.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS Why The Masters provides a blueprint for customer experience and brand excellence How premium experiences justify premium pricing The hidden ways founders become growth bottlenecks Simple steps to delegate and reclaim your time Using AI to improve operations, efficiency, and profitability Building systems that make your business owner-independent What buyers look for when valuing a business 🔗 Guest Links Website: https://profitbooster.biz Podcast: Profit With A Plan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marciarinerwww.infiniteprofitconsulting.com🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

May 26, 2026Episode 24551 min

Don't Lose Money Before the Job Starts | Steve Lange

Send us Fan MailYou can spot a contractor who’s about to lose money before they ever swing a hammer. It starts with the tiny details — the wrong door size, a missed window spec, or a supplier who never asks, “Are you sure about that?”What separates great contractors from the ones constantly losing money on jobs? Often, it comes down to the details — and the partnerships behind them. Steve Lange from Randall Brothers joins us to break down how strong supplier relationships help remodelers avoid costly mistakes, navigate volatile markets, and build businesses that last.From learning the building supply business at $7.25 an hour to leading a high-performing outside sales operation, Steve shares what really happens behind the scenes in contractor sales, inside sales, and customer support. We unpack the painful lessons from the 2008 housing crash, the chaos of COVID-era material pricing, and the signals smart contractors should watch in today’s market.We also dive into solution selling, setting customer expectations, leadership during crisis moments, and why the best reps aren’t just order takers — they’re trusted partners who protect contractors from expensive errors before they happen.If you’re in construction, remodeling, home improvement, or contractor sales, this episode is packed with practical insights on profitability, customer service, and surviving a changing housing market.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS Why nominal vs. actual measurements cost contractors thousands The hidden role inside sales plays when the counter gets chaotic Lessons learned from surviving the 2008 construction collapse How remodelers can thrive in today’s “opportunity market” Managing material price volatility after COVID Why listening and expectation-setting win more business The difference between order takers and true solution sellers How great companies step up during community crises 🔗 Guest Links Randall Brothers: https://randallbrothers.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-lange-b158aa42🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

May 19, 2026Episode 24445 min

Why “Boring” Franchises Are Winning Big in the AI Era | Jon Ostenson

Send us Fan MailAs AI reshapes white-collar jobs, more professionals are turning to recession-resistant franchise businesses that solve real-world problems and can’t be automated awayJon Ostenson of FranBridge Consulting joins The Small Business Safari to break down why some of the best business opportunities today are hiding in “non-sexy” franchises. From home services and senior care to pet services and B2B models, Jon explains why these businesses are thriving while many food franchises struggle with labor, margins, and operational chaos.Chris and Jon discuss how AI anxiety is pushing corporate professionals toward tangible businesses they can actually control, why “semi-absentee” ownership is often misunderstood, and how franchisees sabotage themselves by ignoring proven systems. Jon also shares how he evaluates franchisors beyond flashy branding, what realistic funding and profit expectations should look like, and why operational leadership matters more than hype.The conversation also dives into strategic planning using the Mount Everest metaphor and the importance of choosing a yearly focus word like “Ascend” to guide both business and personal growth.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS Why non-food franchises often outperform restaurant concepts The businesses AI can’t easily replace What “semi-absentee” ownership actually means How franchisees fail by refusing to follow systems The Mount Everest framework for long-term planning One business goal + one personal goal = better focus Real franchise startup costs and funding paths Why operators must be incentivized to scale successfully 🔗 Guest Links Website: https://franbridgeconsulting.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonostenson Book: Non-Food Franchising🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

May 12, 2026Episode 24349 min

Comfortable In The Gray Zone | Lisa Tilt

Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to build a business that lasts 20 years—and not hate it by the end?Summary: Lisa Tilt, founder of Full Tilt Consulting, joins us to break down what it actually takes to build a long-term business without burning out your people or yourself. From her early days in grassroots marketing and big-brand PR to launching her own firm after a toxic work environment, Lisa shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, culture, and communication that actually works.We get into why entrepreneurs have to live in the gray, how internal communication can make or break your company, and what really changes when you go from doing the work to leading a team. Lisa also dives into scaling with intention, building a referral-driven business, and why chasing an “exit” can be the wrong goal. If you’re trying to grow without losing your culture, this one hits.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • Why “more emails” is killing your internal communication • The shift from employee mindset to true leadership • How to make decisions when there is no clear answer • Building trust through simple, consistent video communication • Why most exit strategies are misunderstood (and overrated)🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://fulltiltconsulting.com • LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisatilt/ 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

May 5, 2026Episode 24253 min

What Is A Lead | Dominic Carubba

Send us Fan MailIf your team can’t answer “what is a lead?” the same way, your CRM doesn’t stand a chance.Summary: We kick things off with real shop talk from the field, then get straight to the hidden issue wrecking most CRMs: unclear definitions. Dominic Carubba from SalesAndTechnology.com breaks down a simple, powerful framework—leads are raw inputs, opportunities are real revenue conversations, and cases are what happens after the sale.We dive into why vague language creates expensive chaos, why training alone won’t fix broken systems, and how switching CRMs can actually make things worse. Dominic shares how tightening stage criteria improves forecasting, accountability, and focus—so your pipeline finally works like a system instead of a guessing game.If you’re tired of reacting instead of scaling, this episode delivers clarity you can implement fast.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • Why most CRM problems are actually definition problems • Leads vs. opportunities vs. cases—clear and simple • How vague language creates chaos in your pipeline • Why training doesn’t fix broken systems • The real risk of switching CRMs • How stage clarity improves forecasting and focus🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://salesandtechnology.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dominiccarubba/🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.comSponsor: Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

April 28, 2026Episode 24151 min

Credit Is The Foundation | Gerri Detweiler

Send us Fan MailWhat if your credit is the one thing quietly limiting how fast your business can grow?Summary: Gerri Detweiler, credit expert and education advocate at Nav, breaks down why credit is one of the most misunderstood—and most important—tools for small business owners. We get into the difference between personal and business credit, how lenders actually evaluate you, and why chasing quick fixes can backfire. Gerri shares practical strategies to build strong credit, manage cash flow during tough seasons, and avoid the traps that derail entrepreneurs. If you want to grow smarter, borrow better, and protect your business, this episode is a must-listen.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • Personal + business credit both impact your growth • Why business credit feels confusing and less transparent • There is no “one score”—lenders look at multiple factors • What lenders consider a solid starting score • Fix cash flow before chasing credit repair • Credit utilization and why paying early matters • How personal guarantees work (and fade over time) • Business credit cards as a starting tool—and risks to watch • Safer options when cash gets tight vs. risky fast financing • Free help from SBDCs and where to find them • AI-driven fraud and loan scams to avoid🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://nav.com/gerri • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerridetweiler/gerridetweiler.com🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

April 21, 2026Episode 24037 min

The Virtual Factory | Tino Go

Send us Fan MailWhat if custom cabinets could be priced, designed, and built faster—without the usual headaches?Summary: Tino Go, founder of Hello Baru, joins the Safari to break down why the custom cabinet industry still runs on slow, outdated systems—and how his “virtual factory” model is changing the game. By tapping into underused CNC capacity, Hello Baru helps pros streamline pricing, design, and production with fewer handoffs and more transparency. We talk about the real-world chaos of sales, why homeowners still need skilled pros, and what it takes to build and scale a startup while resources are tight. If you’re in home services, design, or manufacturing, this episode is packed with practical insights on efficiency and growth. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS • Sales chaos vs. showing up professionally • Why cabinet buying still feels outdated • The “virtual factory” explained • CNC capacity + local fabrication model • Continuous sizing with a smart configurator • Pricing based on materials, not complexity • Why pros still matter on imperfect homes • From desks to kitchens: early traction • Startup reality: funding + team motivation • Scaling through large customers and consistency🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://hellobaru.com • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinogo/ 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

April 14, 2026Episode 23947 min

Death To Voicemail | Alfredo Salkeld

Send us Fan MailTITLE: Death to Voicemail |Alfredo SalkeldWhat if every missed call in your business was a lost customer?Summary: Voicemail is where small business leads go to die. In this episode, we talk with Alfredo Salkeld, founder of UpFirst.AI, about how AI receptionists are changing the way small businesses capture calls, qualify leads, and respond instantly—without pretending to be human.Alfredo shares his journey from leaving the “corporate zoo” to building a tool designed specifically for entrepreneurs who can’t afford to miss opportunities after hours. We dig into how an AI receptionist can follow your intake script, filter spam, text you the exact information you need, and still stay transparent that it’s AI—not a fake person.We also talk about when AI works better than traditional answering services, when a human still wins, and why new businesses should answer every call themselves before automating anything.If you run a small business where calls equal revenue, this episode will change how you think about voicemail forever.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari💡 GOLD NUGGETS• Why voicemail kills small business leads • What an AI receptionist actually does • Why over-empathetic AI annoys callers • “Be concise” settings that improve AI responses • Why third-party answering services fail on scripts • Collecting the right intake details instantly • Being transparent that the receptionist is AI • Customizing tone, accents, and multilingual voices • Noise cancellation and better call transcription • When businesses should not use AI🔗 Guest Links• Website: https://upfirst.ai • Company: Up First AI Receptionisthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/alfredosalkeld/🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari• Instagram: @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website: https://chrislalomia.comThanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!