The Small Business Safari

Hosted by Chris Lalomia

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295

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Aug 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

August 18, 2026Episode 25747 min

How A Former Umpire Builds Financial Confidence | Jack Oujo

Send us Fan Mail What does a bad call behind home plate, a falling stock market, and a tough day in business have in common? You have to reset, trust your process, and be ready for the next pitch. Summary: Jack Oujo went from calling balls and strikes as a minor league baseball umpire to becoming a CPA, CFP, and founder of a wealth management firm that grew largely through referrals to roughly $900 million under management. Jack shares how the lessons he learned on the baseball field shaped the way he approaches money, leadership, and business. An umpire can’t dwell on a bad call—the next pitch is coming. The same principle applies when markets fall, clients panic, or business owners face difficult decisions. We dig into why a 20% market decline shouldn’t come as a surprise, how planning for worst-case scenarios can create confidence, and why disciplined habits like living below your means, maximizing a 401(k), and paying attention to taxes can build long-term financial independence. Jack also gets practical about growing a business: hiring before you feel completely ready, creating repeatable processes, building a culture where employees work with you rather than for you, and understanding that taking care of your people ultimately means better care for your clients. Most importantly, Jack explains why down markets and difficult moments can actually be opportunities to earn trust. When everyone else is reacting emotionally, strong leaders reset, follow the plan, and focus on what they can control. We also hear the story behind Jack’s book, Too Smart To Be An Umpire , and why he believes success is less about trophies and more about the process—and the legacy you leave behind. 💡 GOLD NUGGETS Why a 20% down market is normal—and why your plan should already account for it How Jack went from minor league baseball umpire to CPA, CFP, and wealth management entrepreneur Why saving early and living below your means can create real financial freedom Why federal income taxes may be one of your biggest lifetime expenses How a repeatable “reset” process helps leaders recover from mistakes Why candor and authenticity build lasting client trust When it’s time to hire and start working on the business instead of only in it Why taking care of employees leads to an overwhelmingly positive client experience The importance of financial planning around worst-case scenarios rather than optimistic forecasts Why process, not trophies, is at the heart of Jack’s approach to business and life 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari toosmarttobeanumpire.com (Blog) LinkedIn | linkedin.com/in/jack-oujo-cpa-cfp-ms-tax-97906810 Website | oujowealthstrategies.com (Company) Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ Website | https://chrislalomia.com Tell your friends, tell your family—if you liked it, let them know! And ask yourself: What part of your financial or business plan needs a better reset button? Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

August 11, 2026Episode 25648 min

Natal Charts For Business Growth | Aleksandra Ceho

Send us Fan Mail Can your biggest business breakthrough come from understanding yourself better? Astrologer Aleksandra Ceho joins us to explore how astrology can become an unexpected tool for leadership, decision-making, and business growth—even if you're skeptical. Summary Most entrepreneurs spend countless hours trying to improve their business, but what if the biggest opportunity is understanding yourself first? In this episode, we sit down with astrologer Aleksandra Ceho to discuss how natal charts can serve as a mirror for leadership, strengths, blind spots, and the way founders naturally build businesses. We begin with a memorable World Cup story about rallying people around a common mission before diving into the history of astrology, why influential leaders once relied on astrologers, and how modern astrology differs from newspaper horoscopes. Aleksandra explains how an accurate natal chart—built from your birth date, time, and location—can reveal patterns that help entrepreneurs make better decisions instead of forcing themselves into business models that don't fit. We also explore scaling from individual talent into repeatable systems, using Saturn and Jupiter as metaphors for balancing structure and growth, and a real-world case study of a business owner who found greater success by leaning into their natural strengths. The conversation finishes with financial astrology, broader economic cycles, and why Aleksandra believes astrology deserves another look from even the most skeptical business owners. Whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or simply curious, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on self-awareness and leadership. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari 💡 GOLD NUGGETS The difference between newspaper horoscopes and a true natal chart. Why knowing your natural strengths creates a competitive advantage. Scaling a business by building systems around your unique abilities. Balancing growth and discipline through the concepts of expansion and structure. A business turnaround driven by aligning work with the owner's strengths. Financial astrology and understanding larger economic cycles. A practical, skeptic-friendly approach to astrology and entrepreneurship. 🔗 Guest Links Website: www.astrologerroyale.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleksandra-ceho-950452110/ 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari Instagram: @smallbusinesssafaripodcast LinkedIn: Chris Lalomia Website: https://chrislalomia.com If you guys aren't watching us on YouTube, you should! The Small Business Safari is putting out full video episodes every week, so be sure to subscribe and join us there for the complete conversation. Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

August 4, 2026Episode 25553 min

How Richard Taylor Reinvented Architecture

Send us Fan Mail Most homeowners don't avoid renovations because they're lazy—they avoid them because they don't know where to start. Richard Taylor built SketchHaus to change that. Summary: We sit down with licensed architect Richard Taylor, founder of SketchHaus Architects, to explore how he reimagined the traditional architecture business for today's homeowners. Richard shares the reality of life after architecture school, his journey through New York during the 2008 recession, and how those experiences ultimately led him to build a company focused on transparency, speed, and accessibility. We discuss the mindset shift from technician to business owner, why duct-taped systems eventually limit growth, and how landing one major client forced Richard to learn the art of delegation. He also explains how COVID became the catalyst for rebuilding his company into a flat-fee architecture firm that removes the confusion and sticker shock many homeowners experience before starting a renovation. Richard also introduces SketchHaus AI, which creates realistic exterior facelift concepts, along with the SketchHaus Builders Network that helps homeowners obtain competitive contractor bids with confidence. Whether you're planning a home addition or building a service business that can scale, this episode is packed with practical lessons on simplifying complicated industries. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari 💡 GOLD NUGGETS The reality gap between architecture school and the real world How the 2008 recession changed Richard's career path The client that forced him to become a true business owner Why systems—not talent—determine whether you can scale How COVID inspired a completely new business model Flat-fee architecture that removes pricing uncertainty SketchHaus AI and making renovation ideas easy to visualize The Builders Network that simplifies finding qualified contractors 🔗 Guest Links Website: https://sketchhaus.com Instagram: @sketchhaus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardtayloraia/ 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ Website | https://chrislalomia.com Subscribe to Small Business Safari, share this episode with someone planning a renovation or growing a service business, and leave us a review with your biggest takeaway! Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

July 28, 2026Episode 25454 min

A Bad Festival Bathroom Sparked A Whole New Industry | David Sauers

Send us Fan Mail What if one awful portable restroom experience turned into a business that completely changed the industry? That's exactly what happened to David Sauers, founder of Royal Restrooms. Summary: David Sauers, founder of Royal Restrooms, shares how a miserable experience at an outdoor festival inspired him to reinvent portable restrooms with luxury restroom trailers that deliver a true bathroom experience. We dive into the entrepreneurial journey from idea to industry leader, covering product innovation, branding, marketing, licensing challenges, and what it takes to stand out when competitors begin copying your success. David explains why targeting wedding planners instead of individual customers became a game-changing marketing strategy, how investing in professional branding helped Royal Restrooms separate itself from imitators, and why staying focused on customer experience continues to fuel growth. Whether you're launching a new business or looking for ways to differentiate an established one, this episode is packed with practical lessons every entrepreneur can use. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari 💡 GOLD NUGGETS How one bad festival restroom sparked a nationwide business. Why selling to wedding planners created exponential growth. Building a premium brand in a commodity industry. Navigating licensing and franchising regulations. Beating copycats through innovation, professionalism, and customer experience. Expanding beyond restroom trailers into larger event service opportunities. 🔗 Guest Links Website: https://royalrestrooms.com Personal Website: https://davidsauers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsauers/ Social Media: Royal Restrooms 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari Instagram: @smallbusinesssafaripodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ Website: https://chrislalomia.com Special thanks to our sponsor, Smart Hire Solutions LLC, for supporting Small Business Safari! Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

July 21, 2026Episode 25352 min

The Four Pillars That Reset An Entrepreneur Brain | David Forster

Send us Fan Mail What if the biggest threat to your business isn't the competition—it's the exhausted person staring back at you in the mirror? Entrepreneur burnout doesn't happen overnight. It creeps in through brain fog, poor decisions, sleepless nights, and the constant feeling that you're always "on." In this episode, Chris sits down with David Forster , founder of Systems Over Sweat , multi-business operator, and COO, to discuss how business owners can recognize burnout before it turns into a complete shutdown. David shares his practical "three mornings in a row" rule for recognizing when it's time to make a change, along with science-backed strategies that improve mental clarity, energy, and leadership performance. From understanding how exercise boosts BDNF and helps reset your brain to creating better sleep habits, managing stress, optimizing nutrition timing, and finding real recovery, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways every business owner can implement immediately. If you've been running on caffeine, cortisol, and sheer determination, this episode offers a healthier—and more effective—way forward. 💡 Gold Nuggets Recognize entrepreneur burnout before it becomes a crisis with the "three mornings in a row" rule. Boost focus and brain performance with as little as six minutes of high-intensity exercise. Pair workouts with learning to maximize memory and retention. Build a sleep routine that improves recovery and decision-making. Use a simple "brain dump" notepad technique to quiet a racing mind at 3 a.m. Shift your focus from what you eat to when you eat with David's 40/40/20 nutrition approach. Reduce stress through prayer, quiet time, breathwork, and activating the vagus nerve. Create more productive workdays through flow-state scheduling, time blocking, and intentional recovery. Learn why truly disconnecting on vacation is critical for long-term performance. 🔗 Guest Links Website: Systems Over Sweat dforster.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rdavidforster/ 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari Instagram: @smallbusinesssafaripodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ Website: https://chrislalomia.com Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Small Business Safari , leave a review, and share this episode with another business owner who could use a healthier, smarter way to grow. We'd love to hear which habit you're putting into practice this week. Special challenge from Chris: Email Chris@thetrustedtoolbox.com with the subject or message: "Hey Chris, the garbage man just took it out." Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

July 14, 2026Episode 25244 min

Build A Business That Serves Your Life | Joe Rando

Send us Fan Mail What if the business you built for freedom became the very thing stealing it? Joe Rando explains why so many solopreneurs unintentionally recreate the stress of a traditional job—and how to build a business that actually supports the life you want. Summary: Joe Rando, founder of LifeStarr, joins Chris and Alan to challenge one of entrepreneurship's biggest assumptions: that every business should scale. Instead, Joe explains how solopreneurs can build profitable, sustainable businesses without employees by focusing on lifestyle, recurring revenue, and value-based pricing. The conversation explores Joe's journey from physics and real estate development to software and coaching, along with the lessons he learned through changing markets and business models. They discuss the "ownership trap" that keeps founders chained to their businesses, why underpricing hurts both the owner and the client, and how defining success on your own terms leads to a healthier, more rewarding business. Whether you're a freelancer, consultant, coach, or solo service provider, this episode offers practical strategies to create a business that serves your life instead of consuming it. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari 💡 GOLD NUGGETS What a successful solopreneur business really looks like Why growth isn't always the right goal Escaping the ownership trap that creates burnout Lessons from recurring revenue in commercial real estate The pivot from software licensing to service businesses Why Ikigai isn't always the best framework for entrepreneurs Pricing based on value instead of hours Lifestyle business examples that actually work Building a business around freedom, not obligation Inside the LifeStarr community, upcoming app, and AI solopreneur coach 🔗 Guest Links Website: www.lifestarr.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/joerando 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast LinkedIn | Chris Lalomia Website | https://chrislalomia.com Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

July 7, 2026Episode 25147 min

You Can't Read the Label from Inside the Jar | Dusty Holcomb

Send us Fan Mail Your team probably doesn't have an execution problem—it has a clarity problem. Leadership consultant Dusty Holcomb explains why alignment beats effort every time. Summary: You can feel it when a team is drifting. The numbers point to execution, but the real issue is often something leaders overlook: clarity and alignment. In this episode, Chris Lalomia and Alan Wyatt sit down with leadership consultant and CEO mentor Dusty Holcomb to explore what separates high-performing teams from frustrated ones—and how business owners can create an environment where people consistently make better decisions, even when the boss isn't in the room. Dusty shares practical leadership lessons from years of coaching CEOs, including why the best leaders answer five critical questions for every employee, the difference between managing people and truly leading them, and how written "Rules of Engagement" create trust, accountability, and faster decision-making for in-person and remote teams alike. The conversation also dives into the personal side of entrepreneurship, including CEO loneliness, the value of mastermind and peer groups, building a business plan that's flexible enough to evolve, and adopting the mindset of "we get to do this" instead of "we have to do this." Finally, Dusty explains how business owners can use AI and emerging agentic AI tools to increase leverage without losing the human side of leadership. Whether you lead a home service company, a growing small business, or any team that's ready for the next level, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can implement immediately. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari 💡 GOLD NUGGETS Why clarity—not effort—is the biggest missing ingredient in struggling teams. The five questions every employee needs answered to give discretionary effort. The difference between being a manager and becoming a true leader. How "Rules of Engagement" improve communication, accountability, and decision-making. Why mastermind groups help CEOs overcome isolation and become better leaders. Building a strategic plan without becoming trapped by it. Reframing entrepreneurship from "have to" into "get to." Practical ways AI can help leaders save time and think more strategically. 🔗 Guest Links Website: https://arcusgroup.com Free Rules of Engagement Playbook: https://myrulesofengagement.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustyholcomb 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari Instagram: @smallbusinesssafaripodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia Website: https://chrislalomia.com If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who's working to build a stronger team and become a better leader. Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

June 30, 2026Episode 24947 min

The Dirty Truth About Building a Cleaning Business | Vanessa Higgins

Send us Fan Mail Everyone thinks starting a cleaning business is "just hard work"—until you're juggling hiring, scheduling, customer expectations, supplies, cash flow, and quality control all at the same time. On this episode of The Small Business Safari , Chris Lalomia and co-host Alan Wyatt sit down with Vanessa Higgins , founder of Clean Tu Casa , to uncover what it really takes to build a premium cleaning company serving residential homes, commercial clients, and Airbnb properties across Atlanta. Vanessa shares how her corporate marketing background helped her create repeatable systems, build a trusted brand, and deliver an exceptional customer experience from day one. She explains why investing in coaching accelerated her growth, the lessons she learned transitioning from B2B to B2C, and why every owner should understand the work before expecting others to do it well. The conversation dives into the operational side of running a successful service business—from pricing, invoicing, profit margins, and team culture to communication that keeps both customers and employees confident. Along the way, Chris, Alan, and Vanessa swap unforgettable stories, including Airbnb turnover disasters, bizarre cleaning discoveries, and an unexpected fugitive arrest that proves no two jobs are ever the same. Whether you own a cleaning company or any home service business, this episode delivers practical strategies, plenty of laughs, and real-world lessons on building a company that lasts. 💡 Gold Nuggets Building repeatable systems that support growth Creating a premium brand through exceptional customer service Why coaching beats learning everything the hard way Residential vs. commercial cleaning: key operational differences The invoicing mistake that can destroy cash flow Building a strong team culture and clear communication Using AI to support commercial operations Giving back through Cleaning for a Reason Airbnb turnover challenges and memorable job-site stories Growing through larger commercial contracts and acquisitions 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari 🔗 Guest Links Website: https://cleantucasa.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessacleantucasa 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari Instagram: @smallbusinesssafaripodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia Website: https://chrislalomia.com If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another small business owner. Your support helps us continue bringing practical business advice and inspiring entrepreneurial stories to the Small Business Safari. Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

June 23, 2026Episode 24847 min

From Prison To Purposeful Entrepreneurship | Fleet Maull

Send us Fan Mail What do you do when your biggest mistake costs you 14 years in federal prison? Fleet Maull turned that experience into the foundation for building a successful business, a life of purpose, and a mindset every entrepreneur can learn from. SUMMARY: In this powerful episode of The Small Business Safari , Chris and Alan sit down with Fleet Maull, entrepreneur, author, mindfulness teacher, and Inc. 5000 business founder, to explore the extraordinary journey from federal prison to business success. Fleet shares how radical responsibility, self-awareness, and nervous system regulation helped him rebuild his life after incarceration and create opportunities where most people would only see obstacles. We dive into practical lessons for business owners, including overcoming imposter syndrome, leading under pressure, managing stress, and navigating today's increasingly distracted and polarized world. Fleet also explains why AI is creating unprecedented opportunities for entrepreneurs and shares a simple breathing technique that can help you think more clearly, stay calm, and make better decisions. Whether you're trying to scale a business, overcome setbacks, or simply become a more effective leader, this conversation offers actionable insights you can put to work immediately. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari 💡 GOLD NUGGETS • How Fleet transformed a 14-year prison sentence into a masterclass in personal growth • The power of radical responsibility in business and life • Building a successful consulting business after prison at age 50 • Why nervous system regulation is a competitive advantage for leaders • Straw breathing: a simple technique to reduce stress and improve decision-making • Managing anger, distraction, and polarization in today's world • How AI is lowering barriers and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs • Moving from overwhelmed operator to strategic CEO 🔗 Guest Links • Website: https://heartmind.co • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fleet-maull-13306812b 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia • Website | https://chrislalomia.com If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who could benefit from Fleet's remarkable story and practical leadership lessons. Every entrepreneur faces setbacks—this episode shows what's possible when you take ownership of what happens next. Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

June 16, 2026Episode 24848 min

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

Send us Fan Mail What 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.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomsjoseph 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram: @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia • Website: https://chrislalomia.com Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!