Standing on Business

Standing on Business is a podcast by Black Stag Industries featuring real conversations with entrepreneurs, builders, and leaders who are actively creating, growing, and standing on what they believe in. Each episode dives into the stories, lessons, and defining moments that shape their success. Raw, honest, and practical, SOB gives listeners the mindset and motivation to elevate their own path in business and life.

Standing on Business is a business podcast hosted by Black Stag Industries, with 15 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.

Black Stag Industries hosts Standing on Business, a business show with 15 episodes published.

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  Episode #16

  Episode 16 Jeff Knauss: Creating More Value Than You Expect Back | Business, AI & Impact

  Aug 17, 202652 min

  In Episode 16 of the Standing on Business Podcast, we sit down with Jeff Knauss, entrepreneur, founder of Digital Hyve, and founder and CEO of Arcovo AI. Jeff shares the journey from leaving the traditional advertising world to bootstrapping Digital Hyve, scaling it into one of the fastest-growing private companies in the country, and ultimately selling the business. But for Jeff, the story didn’t end with the exit. After realizing retirement wasn’t for him, he went right back to building. We dive into what it actually takes to scale a company, why founders eventually have to stop doing everything themselves, how to hire around your weaknesses, and why working on the business becomes more important than working in it as you grow. Jeff also shares his perspective on AI and the future of work through Arcovo AI. Rather than viewing AI simply as a replacement for people, he sees an opportunity to automate repetitive work and give people more time to focus on the things humans uniquely do well. We also talk about work-life harmony, building a business around the life you actually want, the opportunities ahead for Syracuse and Central New York, and why growth for the sake of growth isn't always the right goal. At the center of the conversation is a philosophy Jeff has carried into business, relationships, and life: Create more value in the world than you expect back. Instead of approaching relationships transactionally, Jeff believes in helping people, creating opportunities, and providing value without constantly keeping score. Over time, that mindset can create an impact far greater than any single transaction. Episode 16 Jeff Knauss: Creating More Value Than You Expect Back | Business, AI & Impact Subscribe to Standing on Business for more conversations with entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders building meaningful things in Central New York and beyond.

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  Episode #15

  Episode 15 Holly Conti: Growing With Intention | Building a Business That Works for You

  Aug 11, 202654 min

  What does it actually take to grow a business without getting caught up in everyone else's definition of success? In Episode 15 of Standing on Business, Ben sits down with Holly Conti, Managing Partner of Full Swing Public Relations, to talk about entrepreneurship, intentional growth, public relations, marketing strategy, and the lessons that only come from building a business yourself. Full Swing Public Relations works with service-based businesses across the country, with a strong presence in Central New York and Boise, Idaho. Holly joined the company after leaving a stable career and, alongside her business partner, helped triple revenue year over year before reaching seven figures in their third year. Holly shares one of the biggest lessons from that journey: trust yourself and take intentional risks. Growth rarely feels comfortable while it's happening, and the challenges that come with building a company aren't necessarily signs that you're doing something wrong. Often, they're the next problems you need to learn how to solve. The conversation also dives into a major question for modern businesses: are you investing in marketing because it actually serves your business, or simply because someone told you that you should? Holly and Ben discuss the role of PR, social media, paid media, organic content, employees vs. contractors, managing overhead, measuring marketing results, and why there is no universal framework for growing a company. They also explore the untapped potential in Central New York and why smaller, highly relevant audiences can often be far more valuable to a business than chasing massive follower counts. In this episode: • Building Full Swing Public Relations to seven figures • Trusting yourself as an entrepreneur • Why growth is supposed to feel uncomfortable • Employees vs. contractors • Growing without unnecessary overhead • The real purpose of public relations • PR vs. social media • Why businesses waste money on the wrong marketing • Choosing marketing channels based on strategy • Why follower count isn't everything • Building trust and authority with your audience • The growing business and creative community in Central New York • Building a business around what actually works for you At the end of the day, Holly's philosophy is simple: forget blindly following "best practices." Understand your client, understand your data, know where you want to go, and build a strategy specifically around that. ️ Standing on Business — conversations with the entrepreneurs, operators, and people building what's next.

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  Episode #14

  Episode 14 Dr. Emad Rahim: From Survival to Significance | Building a Life of Impact

  Jul 1, 202647 min

  How do you go from being born in a Cambodian concentration camp to becoming an entrepreneur, professor, author, and leader helping shape the future of an entire community? In this episode of Standing on Business , we sit down with Dr. Emad Rahim , entrepreneur, educator, author, and Executive Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Economic Development at Bellevue University. Dr. Rahim shares an extraordinary journey marked by unimaginable adversity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for others. From surviving the Cambodian genocide and growing up in poverty to earning multiple doctoral degrees, launching businesses, authoring books, and becoming a nationally recognized voice in entrepreneurship and leadership, Dr. Rahim's story is a testament to what's possible when purpose outweighs circumstance. We also explore why Central New York is entering one of the most exciting periods in its history, how entrepreneurs can position themselves for the opportunities ahead, and why success isn't measured by titles or income—but by the impact you leave on others. Whether you're a business owner, student, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone searching for purpose, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom on leadership, resilience, networking, and building a meaningful life. Surviving the Cambodian genocide and growing up in Brooklyn and Syracuse Turning adversity into purpose Entrepreneurship as a vehicle for change Why opportunity favors those who take action Building meaningful relationships instead of transactional ones Networking the right way The SALT Framework: Survival, Adapting, Love, and Transformation Writing Resilience: From the Killing Fields to the Boardroom Why Central New York is positioned for incredible growth The Inspire Innovation Hub and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs Creating impact that lasts beyond business success If there's one message throughout this episode, it's this: don't wait for opportunity to find you—be willing to step forward, create value, and help build something bigger than yourself. 🎙️ Standing on Business features conversations with entrepreneurs, operators, and leaders building meaningful, people-first businesses throughout Central New York and beyond. Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms. Topics discussed:

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  Episode #13

  Episode 13 Dr. John Torrens: Beyond the Hustle Culture | The Reality of Building a $15M Business

  Jun 22, 202657 min

  What separates successful entrepreneurs from everyone else?Is it intelligence? Work ethic? Luck? Or is it something deeper?In this episode of Standing on Business, we sit down with Dr. John Torrens, entrepreneur, investor, former healthcare executive, and Professor of Practice in Entrepreneurship at Syracuse University's Whitman School of Management.Dr. Torrens shares his journey from launching a speech therapy practice to building a healthcare company with more than 250 employees and $15 million in annual revenue before successfully exiting the business. Along the way, he learned firsthand what it takes to scale organizations, develop leaders, navigate setbacks, and create long-term value.We discuss why entrepreneurship is more than just starting a business, the traits that make entrepreneurs successful, and the growing body of research connecting ADHD and entrepreneurial performance. Dr. Torrens also opens up about burnout, health challenges, and why building a successful company means very little if you sacrifice your well-being in the process.Topics discussed:Are entrepreneurs born or made?The role of ADHD in entrepreneurshipOpportunity recognition and taking actionScaling a business from startup to successful exitHiring, leadership, and company cultureRevenue vs. profitabilityDelegation and building systemsBurnout, health, and entrepreneur wellnessTeaching entrepreneurship at Syracuse UniversityThe future of entrepreneurship in Central New YorkWhether you're a founder, business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply interested in how successful people think, this episode is packed with practical insights and hard-earned lessons from decades of experience.🎙️ Standing on Business features conversations with entrepreneurs, operators, and leaders building meaningful businesses throughout Central New York and beyond.Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.

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  Episode #12

  Episode 12 Samantha Lombardi: Growing with Purpose | Building a Business That Reflects Your Values

  Jun 18, 202648 min

  In this episode of Standing on Business, we sit down with Dr. Samantha Lombardi, founder of Primal Chiropractic, to talk about entrepreneurship, leadership, health, and what it means to build a business rooted in purpose. From launching a specialized chiropractic practice focused on families, pediatrics, and prenatal care to growing a thriving team in Central New York, Dr. Lombardi shares the lessons she's learned along the way.The conversation explores the importance of authenticity in business, creating a strong team culture, navigating growth, and staying connected to your mission as an owner. Dr. Lombardi also discusses the role of chiropractic care in overall wellness, the connection between the nervous system and everyday health, and why helping people feel seen and supported remains at the heart of everything she does.Whether you're a business owner, healthcare professional, parent, or someone looking to build a life and career with greater intention, this episode offers valuable insights on leadership, community, and long-term success.Topics discussed:• Building Primal Chiropractic from the ground up• Leadership, hiring, and growing a team• Why authenticity matters in business• Nervous system health and chiropractic care• Creating a culture people want to be part of• Work-life balance for entrepreneurs• The future of health and wellness in CNY• Building community through businessStanding on Business is a podcast featuring entrepreneurs, operators, and leaders who are building meaningful, people-first businesses throughout Central New York and beyond.

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