Small Business Strong

Thinking about starting a business? Thinking about buying a business? Small Business Strong is a podcast hosted by John Lane, focused on real conversations with small business owners about how businesses are actually built — and sustained.Each episode, I sit down with small business owners to talk through how they got to where they are today — and what they would do differently if they had to start all over again. We cover the real decisions, the hard lessons, and the things that mattered most along the way, including faith, rest, and the realities of building a business that lasts.

Small Business Strong is a business podcast hosted by John Lane, with 25 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

John Lane hosts Small Business Strong, a business show with 25 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Small Business Strong

  Episode 25: Turning a Duck Hunting Problem Into a Business | Todd Ezzi | Rixey Outdoors

  Aug 19, 202645 min

  How do you launch a product in the hunting industry? Todd Ezzi saw a need for a dog stand that was lightweight, strong, and practical —so he went into his garage and built one himself. What started as a solution to his own problem has grown into Rixey Outdoors , producing quality dog stands at a great price. In this episode of Small Business Strong , Todd shares the story of how that garage-built idea became a real business. Looking for a lightweight, durable dog stand? Check out Rixey Outdoors . https://rixeyoutdoors.com/ Have a small-business story or know someone who should be on the podcast? Email us at smallbusinessstrongpodcast@gmail.com Subscribe to Small Business Strong for more full-length conversations with entrepreneurs building businesses from the ground up. Join the Small Business Strong Community Want to go behind the scenes and be part of the show? Join Small Business Strong on Patreon for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes updates, and opportunities to help shape future episodes and submit questions for upcoming guests. Become a member: https ://www.patreon.com/c/SmallBusinessStrong?utm_source=campaign-search-results

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  Small Business Strong

  Episode 24: Before the Growth Came the Obedience | Marlon (Catfish) & Willa Glover | MTX

  Aug 12, 202643 min

  How do you start a successful deer feed company? In this episode of Small Business Strong , I sit down with Marlon (Catfish) and Willa Glover , founders of MTX , to talk about what it really looks like to build a business while keeping God at the center. We discuss the lessons God taught them before their company began to grow, the importance of serving customers well, what makes MTX different, and the challenges every entrepreneur faces when quitting seems easier than pressing on. They also share how marriage, faith, and business work together, the mistakes they’ve learned from, and what they hope their legacy will be when it’s all said and done. Whether you’re building a business, leading a family, or simply trying to be faithful where God has you today, this conversation is full of practical wisdom and encouragement. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with another entrepreneur. Connect with MTX: https://www.facebook.com/MTXtrailmix https://www.instagram.com/mtxtrailmix/ Follow Small Business Strong: Instagram: @smallbusinessstrongpodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmallBusinessStrong Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/small-business-strong/id1847801374 Join the Small Business Strong Community Want to go behind the scenes and be part of the show? Join Small Business Strong on Patreon for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes updates, and opportunities to help shape future episodes and submit questions for upcoming guests. Become a member: ⁠ https://www.patreon.com/cw/SmallBusinessStrong ⁠

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  Small Business Strong

  Episode 23: From Buying a Fish Farm to Building an Industry Leader | Mike Freeze | Keo Fish Farms

  Aug 5, 202647 min

  In Episode 23 of Small Business Strong , I sit down with Mike Freeze , owner of Keo Fish Farms , to hear the story of how he purchased a fish farm and helped grow it into one of the leading aquaculture businesses in the country. Mike shares the challenges of buying an established business, growing it over decades, adapting to industry changes, and producing hybrid striped bass and triploid grass carp. We also discuss leadership, customer relationships, hiring great people, long-term decision-making, and the lessons he’s learned after nearly 50 years in the aquaculture industry. Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind successful companies, this episode is packed with practical business wisdom from someone who has built a lasting legacy. In this episode: How Mike Freeze bought Keo Fish Farms Growing a fish farm into an industry leader The business of aquaculture Producing hybrid striped bass and triploid grass carp Leadership and long-term business growth Lessons learned from nearly 50 years in business Advice for the next generation of entrepreneurs About Small Business Strong Small Business Strong is the podcast where successful entrepreneurs share the real stories behind the businesses they’ve built—the wins, the setbacks, and the lessons learned along the way. If you enjoy honest conversations with business owners and want practical insights you can apply to your own journey, be sure to follow the show and share this episode with another entrepreneur. #SmallBusinessStrong #MikeFreeze #KeoFishFarms #FishFarm #Aquaculture #Entrepreneur #SmallBusiness #BusinessPodcast #HybridStripedBass #TriploidGrassCarp #Leadership #BusinessGrowth

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  Small Business Strong

  Episode 22: From Addiction to Building a Premium Boat Company | Louis Perrero | South Dade Skiffs

  Jul 29, 202629 min

  What does it take to build a premium skiff company from the ground up?In this episode of Small Business Strong, I sit down with Louis Perrero, founder of South Dade Skiffs, to hear the story behind one of the most unique skiff manufacturers in the country.Louis opens up about:-How South Dade Skiffs got its name-His life before sobriety-Working as a deckhand on luxury yachts-The painful fishing accident that put a hook through his leg-Building his very first fiberglass boat-The financial risk of creating his first mold and launching a company-What he’d do if he had to rebuild everything from scratch-The legacy he hopes to leave behindThis isn’t just a conversation about boats—it’s about resilience, craftsmanship, second chances, and what it really takes to build something meaningful. If you’re an entrepreneur, outdoorsman, fisherman, or someone chasing a dream, this episode is for you. If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who loves small business and the outdoors.Connect with South Dade Skiffs on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/southdadeskiffConnect with Small Business Strong on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61591884749771

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  Small Business Strong

  Episode 21: Building a Business Without Losing Your Identity | Joey D'Amico | Tekton Game Calls

  Jul 24, 202640 min

  In this episode of Small Business Strong , I sit down with Joey D’Amico , founder of Tekton Game Calls , to discuss faith, entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, and the importance of keeping your identity rooted in Christ rather than your career. Joey shares the story behind Tekton Game Calls, explains the biblical meaning of the name “Tekton,” and talks about using his business as a platform to share the gospel. We also discuss the pride God had to strip away in his life, what has allowed Tekton to stand out in the outdoor industry, and the difficult seasons that shaped him into the man he is today. Whether you’re building a business, pursuing excellence in your craft, or simply seeking to honor God through your work, this conversation is full of practical wisdom and encouragement. • The story behind Tekton Game Calls • Why your identity should never be your business • Sharing the gospel through entrepreneurship • Faith, family, and business priorities • Building products with excellence • Standing out in a competitive industry • Rebuilding a business from scratch • Legacy, fatherhood, and following Christ Connect with Joey & Tekton Game Calls: Website: https://www.tektongamecalls.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tektongamecalls Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TektonGameCalls For guest recommendations, sponsorship opportunities, or business inquiries: smallbusinessstrongpodcast@gmail.com If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow Small Business Strong on Spotify and leave a rating. Every follow and review helps us reach more entrepreneurs who are striving to build successful businesses without compromising what matters most.

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