BIG Small Business with Ben & Wade

Ben and Wade talk about one of the most uncomfortable skills a business owner can develop: the ability to face what they've been avoiding. Inspired by the film Sound of Metal, they explore why entrepreneurs are naturally wired to ignore reality and how that same strength can quietly become your biggest liability when things start to stall. They dig into what it actually looks like to avoid reality in business, from letting the wrong people stay on your team too long, to ignoring your financials, to chasing new opportunities instead of fixing what's already in your hands. They also get into the identity trap, why so many owners tie their worth to revenue, reviews, and results, and what happens when those things start to slip. This episode is an honest conversation about the courage it takes to open the closet door, deal with what's inside, and why the business owners who face hard things head on tend to come out the other side faster and stronger than those who keep running from the storm. 👉📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigsmallbusinesspodcast 👉🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform

Ben and Wade unpack the realities of expanding a small business into new cities and why growth almost never goes the way you expect. They talk through why expansion looks exciting on paper, what actually transfers well between locations, what almost never does, and how different markets force you to rethink marketing, pricing, hiring, and leadership. They share real world lessons from launching into multiple Texas cities and beyond, including why culture tends to travel, why marketing strategies must adapt, how hiring the wrong person can stall an entire market, and how to live in the tension between trusting your process and staying flexible. This episode is an honest look at the humility, exhaustion, and problem solving required to scale, along with practical frameworks for deciding when to push forward, when to adapt, and how to keep perspective when growth feels harder than expected.  👉📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigsmallbusinesspodcast 👉🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform

Ben sits down with two of the wisest voices in his life, his dad Willie Hendrix and his business partner Wade Lombard, for a rich and honest conversation about the difference between cultural wisdom and biblical wisdom. What unfolds is a rare three-way dialogue about discernment, humility, decision making, surrender, success, and why timeless truth often looks upside-down compared to modern logic. Willie shares lessons from forty-plus years of marriage, fatherhood, and running his own business, while Wade dives into the routines and habits that anchor him in godly wisdom. Ben opens up about how his dad’s guidance shaped his approach to business, leadership, and parenting. This episode is full of insight, humor, and depth. If you have ever wondered how to make better decisions, how to align your heart with your calling, or how to tell the difference between real wisdom and counterfeit wisdom, you’ll find a lot to take with you.  👉📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigsmallbusinesspodcast 👉🎧 Subscribe so you never miss an episode

Ben and Wade take a deep dive into the obsessions that make a business stronger and the ones that quietly sabotage progress. This episode opens with the viral Halloween moment that lit up the internet and then shifts into a raw conversation about the real things small business owners should obsess over, including speed to lead, simplicity, margins, team health, reporting, and continuous learning. They also break down the traps of perfection, control, and vanity metrics, along with the personal obsession that guides every decision they make. It is a practical and honest look at how to build a healthier company and a healthier life.  Stay connected and get episode clips and updates 👉📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigsmallbusinesspodcast Subscribe so you never miss an episode 👉🎧 Available on every major podcast platform

In this episode of The Big Small Business Podcast, hosts Ben Hendrix and Wade Lombard dive into the power of culture—what it looks like when a leader becomes obsessed with it, and how that obsession transforms an organization. Fresh off a trip to Miami, Wade shares how visiting VU Church and meeting Pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr. reignited his passion for intentional leadership. From the way their team celebrates small wins to their obsession with excellence, Ben and Wade unpack how the same principles can elevate any business. They explore: 🔥 The difference between control and culture 💡 Why excellence requires confrontation 💪 How great leaders model servant leadership ⚡ The power of energy and momentum in shaping a thriving team If you’re a business owner, leader, or entrepreneur who wants to build a culture worth obsessing over, this episode will leave you fired up and focused. 👉 Follow us on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes and business insights: @bigsmallbusinesspodcast

Ep. 24 – Clarity Beats Comfort: Why Great Leaders Face the Hard Stuff In this episode of The Big Small Business Podcast, Ben and Wade break down one of the toughest (and most avoided) parts of leadership: looking at the numbers. From dodging sales reports to tying your identity to performance, they explore how real leadership means leaning into the discomfort — not away from it. With analogies like stepping on a scale after the holidays and stories from early business days, this episode is both sharp and relatable. You’ll leave with practical mindsets and tools to stay objective, build resilience, and lead with clarity — even when the data stings. 🎯 You’ll learn: The two types of leaders: Avoiders vs. EngagersHow to untangle your emotions from performanceWhy reviewing numbers isn’t punishment — it’s powerThe discipline of weekly review rhythmsQuestions that shift your mindset and team culture Great leaders don’t wait for comfort — they pursue clarity. 🎧 Subscribe, rate, and share if this one challenged or encouraged you. 📲 Follow us on Instagram for more insights: https://www.instagram.com/bigsmallbusinesspodcast

In this powerful episode of The Big Small Business Podcast, hosts Ben Hendrix and Wade Lombard step away from their usual lighthearted stories to tackle one of the hardest realities leaders face—guiding a team through tragedy. Ben and Wade reflect on the national impact of Charlie Kirk’s assassination and then share deeply personal stories of loss, crisis, and resilience from their own companies. From navigating employee tragedies to processing anger and grief, they open up about the challenges leaders face when “business as usual” collides with life-altering events. You’ll hear practical lessons on: How to be present and authentic when your team is hurting Why strength and empathy must go hand-in-hand Building systems that prepare your organization for crisis Finding purpose and moving forward after tragedy This is a sobering but necessary conversation for business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders who want to lead well when it matters most. 👉 Follow us on Instagram for more content and behind-the-scenes: @bigsmallbusinesspodcast

On this episode of The Big Small Business Podcast, Ben Hendrix and Wade Lombard recap their takeaways from the Huge Conference in Nashville, one of the leading events for the home service industry. Ben shares how a spur-of-the-moment decision to attend gave him new clarity on leadership, scaling a company, and the personal growth required to truly 10x a business. The conversation unpacks wisdom from keynote speakers Brian Gottlieb and Marcus Sheridan, including why chaos drives revenue but discipline drives profit, why training is the foundation for growth, and how small touches of “gorilla marketing” can create raving fans. They also dive into how AI and YouTube are rapidly reshaping the future of sales and marketing. If you are a small business owner, entrepreneur, or team leader, this episode is full of practical lessons and real-world insights to help you grow smarter and stronger. Follow us on Instagram @bigsmallbusinesspodcast

What if your fear could be your greatest leadership tool? In this episode of The Big Small Business Podcast, Ben and Wade dive into how fear, anxiety, and doubt can actually sharpen your awareness and improve how you lead your company, serve your team, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Through stories, scripture, and real-world business challenges, they unpack the transformation from unhealthy stress to refined leadership insight. You’ll laugh, nod, and maybe even reflect on your own growth as a leader. You’ll learn: Why fear is a signal, not a stop signHow to turn anxiety into strategic clarityThe difference between leading from fear vs. abundanceTools to confront issues instead of avoiding themWhy humility is the key to transformation Whether you’re scaling a business, managing a team, or navigating pressure, this episode will challenge and encourage you to lead with deeper awareness and purpose. 🎧 Subscribe for more episodes like this. 📲 Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content: @bigsmallbusinesspodcast

Hosted by business owners Ben Hendrix and Wade Lombard, the Big Small Business Podcast is where high-performing entrepreneurs get honest about the tension between hustle and health. Each episode explores the real-life challenges of building and running a small business—from leadership and growth to burnout and balance. Whether you’re scaling your company or just trying to survive another Monday, you’ll get: Straight-talk on what’s working (and what isn’t)Practical advice rooted in real-world experienceCandid conversations that mix insight, humility, and humor 👉 New episodes drop regularly, so follow us and join the conversation on Instagram: www.instagram.com/bigsmallbusinesspodcast

In this episode of the Big Small Business Podcast, Ben and Wade sit down with leadership coach Travis Hall to unpack why coaching is more than a buzzword — it’s a transformative way to lead people. From his unconventional background as a missionary-businessman in the UAE to building a coaching company that helps teams and leaders unlock their full potential, Travis shares insights on how coaching cultivates awareness, drives action, and builds authentic relationships. You’ll learn: • What coaching really means (hint: it’s not just giving advice) • Why curiosity and humility are the keys to better leadership • How asking the right questions can empower your team • The difference between mentoring, managing, and coaching • How coaching can help leaders navigate crossroads and find clarity Whether you’re running a business, leading a team, or just trying to be a better version of yourself, this episode will shift the way you think about influence and leadership. 🔗 Learn more about Travis at pathandway.com 👉 New episodes drop regularly, so follow us and join the conversation on Instagram: www.instagram.com/bigsmallbusinesspodcast

Welcome back to the Big Small Business Podcast! In this episode, Ben Hendrix and Wade Lombard tackle a topic every entrepreneur should master: staying “on brand.” Starting off with a funny take on high school graduations and parenting philosophies to business decisions and branding missteps, Ben and Wade unpack how sticking to your brand identity helps guide decisions, build trust, and ultimately shape long-term success. They share candid stories from startup lessons and quirky business rules to major brand blunders like New Coke and HBO’s identity crisis. If you’ve ever been tempted by a “good idea” that just didn’t feel right, or wondered how to differentiate your business in a crowded market, this one’s for you. Learn how guardrails and intentionality can elevate your company and why being “on brand” isn’t about logos—it’s about values. 💡 Key Takeaways: • Why every decision should pass through a brand filter • How to define your brand’s identity and values • The power of simplicity and intentional guardrails • Real life examples of brand wins and fails 📱 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bigsmallbusinesspodcast for bonus content, updates, and behind-the-scenes moments.

In this episode of the Big Small Business Podcast, we sit down with Brittany Hendrix—founder of BIEN and a leader in the influencer management world. Brittany shares how she went from teaching middle school to building a thriving agency that represents top-tier influencers. We unpack what business owners can learn from the influencer industry—from branding and authenticity to audience engagement and long-term growth. Whether you’re running a local service business or scaling a startup, this conversation is packed with insights on how to humanize your brand, create loyal customers, and leverage social media with purpose. Follow Brittany: @bientheagency | bientheagency.com

In this episode of Here and Now (soon to be Big Small Business), Ben and Wade dive into Part 2 of their conversation on how to bring your team together through internal company conferences. They break down how they plan and execute their biannual gatherings—sharing the themes, structure, tips, and even mistakes they’ve learned from along the way. Whether you lead a team of five or fifty, this episode gives you practical insights on how to use conferences to reinforce company culture, cast vision, and have some fun along the way. Plus, expect a few good laughs, personal stories, and an unexpected side quest into Reddit movie rabbit holes.

In this episode, Ben Hendrix and Wade Lombard discuss the importance of bringing your team together, no matter the size of your business. They explore how annual internal conferences build relationships, boost morale, align vision, and create a strong company culture. With personal stories and practical insights, they highlight why investing in team cohesion is crucial for long-term success.

In this episode, Ben Hendrix and Wade Lombard dive into what it really means to run a lean business. They break down the misconceptions around being lean—it’s not just about cutting costs or downsizing. Instead, it’s about smart resource allocation, efficient processes, and creating value without wasting time or money. Listen in as they share real-world examples, practical tips, and insights from their own experiences as business owners. Plus, they discuss the importance of data-driven decisions and the pitfalls of bad data. Whether you’re scaling up or tightening your operations, this episode is packed with actionable advice!

In this episode of The Hear and Now Podcast, Ben Hendrix and Wade Lombard dive into the ongoing struggle of balancing work and family life. They discuss the concept of “choosing to cheat” (referencing Andy Stanley's book) — the reality that we can’t give 100% to everything and must intentionally decide where to focus our time and energy. With personal stories, leadership insights, and practical strategies, they explore how to set boundaries, prioritize key moments, and trust that putting family first doesn’t mean sacrificing success. If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or someone striving for better work-life balance, this conversation is for you!

Mike Cottrell joins Ben and Wade in this insightful, funny and detailed look at how to find amazing people when expanding your sales teams. Disclaimer: Some of the stories and banter in this podcast are strictly for entertainment and comedic purposes. While we share personal experiences and hiring philosophies, they should not be taken as official hiring policies. The companies represented by the hosts are committed to fair and lawful hiring practices, ensuring equal opportunity for all candidates regardless of race, age, gender, religion, disability, or any other protected status. All hiring decisions are made in compliance with federal and state employment laws. Nothing in this podcast should be considered legal or HR advice. For professional guidance on employment law and hiring practices, consult a qualified expert.

In this episode of The Here and Now Podcast, Ben Hendrix and Wade Lombard dive into one of the toughest responsibilities of leadership—firing. They break down why letting someone go is so difficult, the right way to approach it, and lessons they’ve learned from past experiences. Through personal stories and candid insights, they explore the emotional weight of firing, the importance of acting decisively, and why keeping the wrong person on board can hurt both the company and the individual. With humor, wisdom, and practical advice, this episode sheds light on a topic no leader enjoys but every leader must face. Plus, stick around for an unexpected blooper at the end!

In this episode we tackle a tough but game-changing mindset: everything is your fault. Wade shares a personal story about his son Jax and how it ties into owning responsibility in business and life. We dive into the weight of ownership, setting clear expectations, and why radical accountability can make or break your business. This one’s full of real talk and a little debate about movie opinions. It’s not polished, but it’s honest—just like running a business. Tune in and let us know if you’ve had your own “everything is my fault” moments!