Profit vs People: Avoid the Price Trap in Business

Husein Shakir, owner of the DIY Depot in Bakersfield, CA discusses Profit vs People: Avoid the Price Trap in Business.

If you’re a small business owner, you’ve likely faced this dilemma: Do I chase the lowest price to attract more customers, or do I focus on quality and what people actually want? how do I solve the dilemma of profit vs people? For Husein Shakir the owner of DIY Depot in Bakersfield, California, this exact […]

Micro-Niches Matter: Turning Passion Into Profit

Jim Gillis, owner of KRRJ Collectables in Bakersfield, CA discusses why micro-niches matter and turning passion into profit.

Micro-Niches Matter. In a time where big-box retailers dominate the market and online ads can feel like a shouting match, it’s easy to feel like your small business doesn’t stand a chance. But here’s the truth: small is powerful — especially when you lean into your niche. We recently sat down with the Jim Gillis […]

You’re Leading All Wrong: Butcher to CEO

John Heath, owner of Alpha Technologies in Bakersfield, CA shares how you're leading all wrong and his lessons going from a butcher to a CEO. He is holding a championship wrestling belt and smiling next to Michael Roberts, owner of the YouTube channel "Small Business Celebration."

We glamorize leadership today. You scroll past it daily—another guru in a fitted blazer, preaching hustle culture and passive income from the seat of a rented Lamborghini. But the truth? Most of us are leading all wrong. If you want to see real leadership in action, meet John Heath, founder and CEO of Alpha Technologies […]

Secrets to Scaling Small Business Success

Mark Boren, co-owner of Express Electric and Le Cave Vin & Cuisine in Bakersfield, CA discusses secrets to scaling small business success.

What does it take to go from pulling wire in the Bakersfield heat to opening a high-end wine bar and managing multimillion-dollar construction projects? For Mark Boren, owner of Express Electric, Solar, and Communications — and co-founder of Le Cave Vin and Cuisine  — the secrets to scaling is equal parts grit, growth, and gratitude. […]

AI Marketing Tools – Invest Now or Wait?

Charles Sears, owner of Torq MSP in Bakersfield, CA discusses AI marketing tools and if you should invest now or wait?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a far-off fantasy — it’s transforming how small businesses market, sell, and operate in real time. But with all the hype and noise around AI, many business owners are asking: “Should I invest in AI marketing tools now, or wait until the technology matures?” We sat down with Charles […]

Learn How to Teach Sales When You Can’t Sell Yourself

Kenny Mount, owner of Mission Family Mortuary in Bakersfield, CA discusses learning how to teach sales when you can’t sell yourself.

From Three Full-Time Jobs to One Unconventional Calling How do you teach sales to when you don’t think you’re a great salesperson yourself? It’s a question hitting close to home for many business owners and it’s one Kenny Mount, co-owner of Mission Family Mortuary, had to answer the hard way. A Career Born Out of […]

How to Boost Confidence in Your Sales Team: Proven Strategies

Mark Barnes, owner of Minuteman Press in Bakersfield, CA discusses how to boost confidence in your sales team with proven strategies.

Learning how to boost confidence is the secret sauce behind any great sales team. A confident salesperson doesn’t just close deals—they build relationships, solve problems, and inspire trust. But confidence doesn’t magically happen. It’s something leaders must intentionally cultivate through structure, experience, and support. We recently spoke with Mark Barnes, the owner of Minuteman Press […]

Acquiring Business Property & Establishing a Legacy

Jeramy Brown, owner of JWB Distributing in California discusses acquiring business property and establishing a legacy.

In the journey of entrepreneurship, two significant decisions often arise: acquiring business property and establishing a legacy in untapped markets. These steps can helo expand your business but also come with unique challenges. Jeremy Brown, the owner of JWB Distributing, shares insights from his extensive experience in business and wine distribution, offering valuable advice for […]

Unexpected Hurdles When Expanding to a 2nd Location

Michael and Producer Emily discuss unexpected hurdles when expanding to a second business location in the season six finale!

Expanding your business to a second location is an exciting milestone, but it’s also a step with unexpected hurdles. As seen in our recent Small Business Celebration season six finale, even seasoned entrepreneurs face hurdles when venturing into new territories. Michael and Producer Emily talked over cutting room floor clips in this episode including a […]

Creating a Thriving Enterprise: Bucket List Bunnies

Karen Boyd, owner of the franchise Bucket List Bunnies discusses creating a thriving enterprise and expanding your business.

Turning a passion project into a legitimate, thriving enterprise can feel like a monumental leap. But with the right approach, your dream can become a reality. Karen Boyd, founder of Bucket List Bunnies, is living proof of how to take a vision and elevate it into a successful enterprise. Here’s her story and the lessons […]