The Small Business Safari

Hosted by Chris Lalomia

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296

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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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September 8, 2026Episode 26049 min

Stagnation Is Worse Than Failure | Guffy Wright

Send us Fan Mail 🎧 The Small Business Safari One angry email, one bad review, one nitpicky complaint—and suddenly your whole day is off track. But what happens when you stop making your business your identity? Summary: Guffy Wright of The Mahoney Group joins Chris and Alan to share how he broke through stagnation and helped scale his real estate insurance practice from roughly $80 million to $350 million in premium. Guffy explains why stagnation can be more dangerous than failure, how to attach yourself to contribution instead of comparison, and why sometimes the fastest way to grow is through “addition by subtraction.” We dig into niching, raising your standards, saying no to the wrong clients, and surrounding yourself with masterminds, coaches, and mentors who challenge you to think bigger. We also unpack ideas from Guffy’s book, Attach High: How Elite Advisors Remove Friction from High Stakes Decisions , including his V3 framework: Value + Vulnerability + Validation = Decision Velocity. And because it’s Small Business Safari, we finish with customer service pet peeves, a painfully relatable DIY paint disaster, and a special offer for listeners who make it all the way through the episode. 💡 GOLD NUGGETS • Don’t let negative customer feedback become personal • Stagnation can be more costly than failure • Attach to contribution and detach from comparison • Raise your floor by saying no to the wrong work • Get crystal clear about your ideal client • “Change rooms” through better mentors, coaches, and masterminds • Use Value + Vulnerability + Validation to create decision velocity • Build a culture that helps customers make better decisions 🎁 LISTENER BONUS: Listen through the end of the episode for details on how to get a free copy of Guffy Wright’s book plus a $25 Amazon gift card! 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari https://www.linkedin.com/in/guffy-wright-752679b/ www.guffywright.com Guffy's book: Attach High 🌍 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!

September 1, 2026Episode 25946 min

When Bourbon Talks Back | Dan Gorman

Send us Fan Mail What do diamonds, apartment buildings, and a bottle of bourbon that literally talks back have in common? Dan Gorman. Dan joins the Safari to share his unconventional entrepreneurial journey—from getting fired while carrying debt, to building a diamond brokerage, moving into commercial real estate, and eventually helping create General Thomas Bourbon. Along the way, he proves that some of the biggest opportunities in business come from preparation, purposeful risk, and simply getting in the room with the right people. We dig into how thoughts become actions, actions become habits, and habits ultimately shape your results. Dan shares how preparation and consistency can make “manifesting” look a lot more like hard work, why face-to-face networking still beats digital connections, and how one relationship helped him land a 168-unit apartment deal with no money down. Then we pour a glass and explore General Thomas Bourbon—a brand combining tradition with AI technology. Through a unique QR code, a personalized message can be permanently tied to an individual bottle, turning bourbon into an experience and a memorable gift. 💡 GOLD NUGGETS • How negative thoughts can ultimately influence your actions, habits, character, and destiny • Why preparation and consistency create opportunities that can look like luck • Going from being fired and in debt to building a diamond brokerage • Using commercial real estate to create recurring income • How one relationship led to a 168-unit apartment deal with no money down • Why taking purposeful risks can open unexpected doors • The lasting power of face-to-face relationships in a digital world • How General Thomas Bourbon is using AI to make each bottle personal and memorable • Building a brand that stands out without relying on gimmicks 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari A bourbon bottle shows up on our table, we scan a QR code, and suddenly “General Thomas” starts talking. That’s when we realize we’re not just tasting a great pour, we’re looking at a masterclass in modern small business marketing: build something worth buying, then wrap it in an experience people cannot help but share. We sit down with Dan Gorman, an entrepreneur who went from a diamond broker to commercial real estate investor, and he doesn’t sugarcoat the hard parts. He talks about getting fired with a one-year-old, $25,000 in credit card debt, and real pressure at home, then choosing to bet on himself anyway. From there, we dig into the deal that changed everything: a 168-unit apartment community bought with creative financing and a relationship-driven “yes” from an investment banker. It becomes Dan’s “$7 million lunch,” a reminder that face-to-face networking, credibility, and follow-through still beat a thousand DMs. We also get practical about mindset for entrepreneurs and small business owners. We talk negative thought loops, how thoughts turn into actions and habits, and why leaders have to rewrite the script if they want their teams and their businesses to grow. Then we return to the bourbon and the tech: Dan explains how General Thomas Kentucky Bourbon uses AI and unique QR codes so every bottle has its own web experience and can permanently “lock” a custom message to that specific bottle, turning it into a personalized gift with real emotional punch. If you like business stories with real lessons, real laughs, and a little bourbon culture, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a founder friend, and leave us a review with the best advice you ever got over coffee or lunch. 🔗 Guest Link • General Thomas Bourbon: https://generalthomasbourbon.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/dangorman/ 🌍 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!

August 25, 2026Episode 25853 min

Get Found, Get Clicked, Get Customers | Tom Malesic

Send us Fan Mail Your customers are already searching for you—but when they land on your website, can they actually figure out what to do next? Tom Malesic of EZMarketing joins Chris and Alan to break down the simple marketing mistakes that cost small businesses leads and sales. From hiding your phone number to cluttering your website with too many calls to action, Tom explains why getting the basics right can make a bigger difference than chasing the latest marketing trend. We talk about the right order of operations for digital marketing: start with a website that converts, build organic traffic through SEO, add Google Ads when you’re ready to scale, and then expand into social media, email, and other outbound strategies. As Tom puts it, “they’re looking for you” —the goal is to make sure they can find you and quickly take the next step. We also dive into practical ways small businesses can use AI without getting caught up in the hype. Tom explains the difference between using AI for content creation and using it for workflows and automation. We explore how businesses can bring together data from QuickBooks, CRM systems, and Google Analytics to create dashboards that provide faster, smarter insights—while keeping sensitive business and customer information secure. 💡 GOLD NUGGETS • Make your phone number and contact information impossible to miss • Give visitors one clear, primary call to action • Write website copy around the customer’s problem—not how great your company is • Build your marketing foundation before spending money on shiny new tactics • Use SEO to capture customers who are already searching for your services • Use AI for content, automation, data analysis, and faster decision-making • Protect sensitive information when connecting AI to business data • Improve speed-to-lead with instant booking and automated follow-up • Set realistic marketing budgets and reinvest as your business grows • Sometimes the best business lessons come from DIY and contractor nightmares 🔗 Connect with Tom Olesik & Easy Marketing Website: https://ezmarketing.com YouTube: Search EZ Marketing LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommalesic/ Book: They're Looking for you 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari 🌍 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!

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!