Small Town Big Business

From Haircuts to Coffee: Building a Community Hub in Small Town AmericaThis episode of 'Small Town Big Business' features Jonathan and Jolyn Raby of West Frankfort, Illinois. As hairstylists who own Berg's Hair Parlor and Gambit Coffee Bar, they share their journey of establishing these businesses in a small town. The Rabys discuss their move from Nashville, initial challenges, and eventual successes, highlighting the importance of community involvement, adaptive business strategies, and innovative thinking. They emphasize the significance of offering a creative and welcoming space that serves as a 'third place' for locals. Additionally, their commitment to supporting local arts and providing an inclusive, family-friendly environment is discussed. The episode is full of insights on rural entrepreneurship, smart growth, and the power of community connection.00:00 Welcome to Small Town Big Business00:50 Meet Our Special Guests: Jonathan and Jolyn Raby01:20 The Journey of Berg's Hair Parlor02:52 Challenges and Triumphs in Business08:20 Expanding with Gambit Coffee Bar11:22 Community Impact and Creative Ventures14:24 Navigating Growth and Future Plans19:47 Integrating into the Local Community24:52 Music and Community Engagement26:16 Naming the Quartet: Weird Pizza26:44 Take Action Today: Community Involvement28:29 Revitalizing Downtown: Conferences and Networking33:46 Balancing Business and Family39:15 Gambit and Bergs: Names and Inspirations45:41 The Freedom of Entrepreneurship48:28 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsRecorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://www.facebook.com/burgshairparlour & www.gambit.bar

In this episode of Small Town Big Business, hosts Jennifer Olson and Russell Williams welcome AnnRae Hochheimer, the proprietor of Whimsy, Wingdings, and Wares, an eclectic art shop in Anna, Illinois. AnnRae shares her multifaceted career journey—from working in the Utah Opera Company, teaching vocal master classes, to running a restaurant—and her eventual move to Southern Illinois. She discusses the shop's unique offerings, which include handmade, upcycled, and multimedia art pieces created by a collective of local artists. The conversation also explores the community's vibrant efforts to revitalize downtown Anna and the broader Southern Illinois region, highlighting the importance of supporting local businesses and fostering artistic creativity. AnnRae also talks about the key role of technology and social media in modern marketing, the potential of AI in the arts, and the need for collaboration among local businesses. The episode concludes with AnnRae's vision for her shop and her commitment to community engagement and artistic preservation.00:00 Welcome to Small Town Big Business00:50 Introducing Our Guest: Anne Ray Heimer01:39 Exploring Whimsy, Wingdings, and Wares03:55 Anne's Journey: From Opera to Entrepreneurship05:30 Settling in Union County06:52 The Vibrant Community of Anna10:16 Showcasing Local Artists15:00 Challenges and Opportunities in the Art Business21:37 The Impact of Technology on Art23:13 AI in Marketing: Benefits and Cautions24:38 Engaging the Younger Generation in Handcrafts27:06 Resurgence of Handcrafts During COVID28:03 Interest from Older Generations in Arts and Crafts30:12 Living and Thriving in Southern Illinois35:59 Supporting Local Businesses and Tourism40:18 Future Vision and Community Involvement42:29 Conclusion and Contact InformationRecorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://www.whimsywingdingswares.com/

In this episode of 'Small Town Big Business,' hosts Jennifer Olson and Russell Williams interview business partners Anne Watts and Tyler Larson, owners of Restoration & Decor in Carterville, Illinois. Anne and Tyler share their journey of starting and growing their business, which specializes in refinishing and creating custom cabinets, furniture, and epoxy countertops. They discuss the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, their passion for creativity, and the importance of upcycling and maintaining quality. The conversation highlights their deep roots in their hometown, the support from family, and the community collaboration that has helped their business thrive. The episode also provides insights into the latest trends in restoration and decor.00:00 Welcome to Small Town Big Business00:50 Meet Anne Watts and Tyler Larson01:04 The Origin Story of Restoration and Decor02:22 Creative Inspirations and Backgrounds03:54 Services Offered by Restoration and Decor05:59 The Move to a Retail Storefront08:43 Community and Networking in Carterville11:05 Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship12:31 Day-to-Day Operations and Support13:33 Customer Engagement and Industry Trends14:33 Exploring the Vintage Furniture Trend15:12 Scaling the Business and Managing Trends16:01 Quality and Upcycling in Furniture16:34 Balancing Restoration and Customization17:51 Challenges and Rewards of Furniture Design18:36 Sustainability and Repurposing Materials19:35 Current Trends in Furniture Colors20:16 Favorite and Least Favorite Parts of the Job22:31 Managing Kitchen Redesigns23:51 Future Growth and Online Presence26:51 Personal Stories and Business Motivation28:03 Conclusion and Sponsor AcknowledgementsRecorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://restorationanddecor.com/

Exploring Rural Banking and Entrepreneurship with Brian Gansauer of People's National BankIn this episode we interviews Brian Gansauer, the Community Bank President of People's National Bank, who shares his extensive background in banking and business. Brian discusses his upbringing in Xenia, his career path from high school teller to a leadership role in a community bank, and his entrepreneurial ventures in the rental property market. He also talks about the unique aspects of rural banking, the challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs in Southern Illinois, and the importance of community involvement and networking. Additionally, Brian shares his personal interests, including his passion for music and his involvement in various community boards.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:30 Brian's Background and Early Career02:35 Entrepreneurial Ventures and Real Estate03:41 Transition to Banking05:23 Rural Banking and Community Impact09:07 Advice for Entrepreneurs12:55 Networking and Personal Development13:52 The Importance of Partnering for Training14:36 Cascading Training and Community Involvement15:42 Advantages of Living and Working in Southern Illinois17:23 Personal Background and Musical Journey19:11 Community and Civic Involvement21:12 Advice for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners23:22 Vision for Southern Illinois26:03 Making a Positive Difference26:40 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsRecorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://www.peoplesnationalbank.com/

In this episode of 'Small Town Big Business,' hosts are joined by Glen and PJ Faith, the owners of Mermet Springs in southern Illinois. Mermet Springs is a unique dive destination and dive center situated in a former quarry between cornfields. Glen shares the history of how he transformed the site from a quarry filled with junk into a premier dive center, replete with sunken planes, buses, and other intriguing artifacts. PJ revisits her introduction to diving and the family aspect of their business, emphasizing the unique opportunity diving provides for family bonding. The episode also explores the challenges and joys of running a niche business in a rural area, the widespread reach of their clientele, and the community and global connections they've fostered through diving. Listeners get insights into what it takes to maintain a dive center, the fun stories behind their underwater features, and the transformative experiences that diving offers.00:00 Welcome to Small Town Big Business00:50 Introducing Glen and PJ Faith of Mermaid Springs01:10 The Origins of Mermet Springs02:42 Diving Adventures and Stories07:25 Maintaining and Enhancing the Quarry11:43 The 727 Airplane Story22:14 Challenges and Rewards of Running Mermet Springs22:50 Destination Diving: A Multifaceted Business24:02 On-Site Amenities and Activities24:46 Visitor Demographics and Reach26:01 Family Bonding Through Scuba Diving27:38 Marketing Strategies and Community Engagement30:25 Encouraging New Divers: Tri Scuba Experience32:49 Global Diving Adventures and Experiences34:03 Inclusivity in Diving: Age and Mobility34:40 Future Plans and Equipment Innovations35:46 Travel Stories and Favorite Destinations42:28 Getting Started with Diving: Advice and Resources43:16 Conclusion and Contact InformationRecorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://www.mermetsprings.com/

SIU Athletics and Community Engagement: A Vision for GrowthIn this episode of Small Town Big Business, we sit down with Tim Leonard, Athletic Director, and Kat Martin, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development, at Southern Illinois University (SIU). They discuss their roles and initiatives within SIU's athletic department, focusing on building infrastructure, fundraising, and community engagement to elevate the programs. The conversation covers the importance of investments in both men's and women's sports, the challenges and opportunities brought by changes in collegiate athletics, such as NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) agreements, and how SIU aims to model itself as a competitive, community-centric athletic department. They also share personal anecdotes and insights into their approach to development and outreach, including significant contributions from alumni and local businesses. The episode underscores the critical role that athletics play in community development and the economic impact on the Southern Illinois region.00:00 Welcome to Small Town Big Business00:50 Meet Our Guests: Tim Leonard and Kat Martin01:38 SIU Athletics: Building Infrastructure and Generating Revenue03:51 Tim Leonard's Journey: From Idaho to SIU06:27 Kat Martin's Return to Southern Illinois14:32 The Vision for SIU Athletics20:35 Engaging Local Businesses and NIL Opportunities22:31 Navigating Conference Alignment and Transfer Portals23:30 Strategic Investment in Sports Programs24:28 Football's Potential and Economic Impact27:00 Engaging Alumni and Building Relationships32:14 Community Support and Economic Benefits34:23 Women's Sports and Major Donations36:48 Message to Future Athletes and Coaches39:11 Financial Literacy for Student Athletes41:05 Passion for Coaching and Athletics43:01 Fun and Unique Traditions44:13 Conclusion and AcknowledgementsRecorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://siusalukis.com/

In this episode of Small Town Big Business, hosts Jennifer Olson and Russell Williams sit down with Greg Reed from Mandela Gardens in Marion, Illinois. Greg shares his life story, from growing up in Greenfield, Illinois, to his time in the Army, and eventually becoming a teacher and founder of Mandela Gardens. The conversation delves into the creation and evolution of Mandela Gardens, touching on the challenges and triumphs Greg faced in transforming his passion for gardening into a unique community space. The episode also discusses the support received from local organizations, the role of Ethos' classes, and future plans for Mandela Gardens. Listeners will gain insights into rural entrepreneurship, community engagement, and the importance of following one's passion. Special mentions include the support from various sponsors and collaborators, as well as the role of workforce development group Manon.00:00 Introduction and Hosts00:49 Introducing the Special Guest: Greg Reed01:08 Greg Reed's Background and Journey03:03 Mandela Gardens: The Concept and Evolution04:43 Transition from Teaching to Gardening06:59 Building and Expanding Mandela Gardens10:46 Events and Community Engagement15:20 Support and Learning from Ethos19:40 Challenges of Staffing and Workforce Development19:59 Personal Experience with Workforce Programs21:03 The Role of Manon in Business Support24:26 Weddings and Event Hosting at Mandela Gardens25:30 Future Plans for the Rental House27:18 Marketing and Online Presence32:58 Community Involvement and Volunteer Support34:11 Engaging the Next Generation36:17 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsRecorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://www.mandalagardens.org/

Balancing Family, Community, and Business with Syhemia Gray-Cruz of Honeybeez SnowballzIn this episode of Small Town Big Business, co-hosts Deb Barnett and Russ Williams explore the journey of Syhemia Gray-Cruz, the founder of Honeybee Snowballz. Originating from Kankakee, Illinois, Syhemia pivoted from a career in education to starting her own business during the COVID-19 pandemic to engage her children. Syhemia shares how she integrates math and science into the business, ensuring her children's involvement. The episode delves into the origins of the business name, inspired by her grandfather, and the unique New Orleans-style snowballs they serve. Syhemia also highlights the challenges she faced, the community involvement, and the importance of balancing family and business. The conversation emphasizes the significance of giving back to the community and finding one's passion. Finally, Syhemia encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take action on their ideas and pursue their dreams.00:00 Welcome and Introductions01:01 Meet Syhemia Gray: The Inspiration Behind Honeybeez Snowballz01:35 From Education to Entrepreneurship02:26 The Birth of Honeybeez Snowballs04:41 Innovative Snow Cones: A Family Affair12:51 Community Engagement and Business Growth15:07 Lessons Learned and Teaching Moments15:25 Challenges of Registering an Old Camper17:11 Preparing for Events and Managing Stress18:27 Expanding the Business and New Opportunities21:09 Community Engagement and Healing Illinois Grant25:16 Funny Stories and Memorable Moments26:52 Balancing Business and Family28:59 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs30:30 Conclusion and AcknowledgementsRecorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://www.facebook.com/honeybeez.snowballz

🎙 Small Town Big Business Ep. #133 — Silkworm, Inc.: Building a National Brand from a Basement in Murphysboro , Illinois.In this episode, co-hosts Deb Barnett and Russ Williams sit down with Cheryl Endres and Shaad Schubert from Silkworm, Inc., a Southern Illinois staple in screen printing and promotional products since 1981. From humble beginnings in a basement to a 30,000+ square-foot facility serving clients nationwide, Silkworm’s story is packed with lessons in growth, culture, succession planning, and next-level customer service.Tune in to hear how this company has built a legacy by putting people first — both employees and customers — and why they never give clients a reason to go elsewhere.Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://www.silkwormink.com/00:00–02:30 — Intro & Origin Story02:30–08:30 — Culture, Team & Longevity08:30–13:00 — Customer Service & Products13:00–18:00 — Growth, Expansion & Community18:00–26:00 — Succession Planning & Leadership26:00–33:10 — Legacy, Mission & What’s Next

In this episode of 'Small Town Big Business,' host Russell Williams, Director of Ethos, sits down with Samantha Dahmer of The Patch. Dahmer shares her journey from being a radiology graduate and former competitive figure skater to running a successful seasonal farm business in Marion, Illinois. She discusses the inspiration behind The Patch, the challenges of farming, the importance of agricultural education, and the role of community support. Samantha also highlights upcoming events at The Patch, including the Mum Festival, Pumpkin Season, and Christmas Tree sales.00:00 Introduction and Hosts00:49 Guest Introduction: Samantha Dahmer01:04 The Origin of The Patch03:32 Transition to Farming Life05:11 Challenges and Growth11:44 Seasonal Activities and Expansion14:01 Balancing Business and Family14:50 Balancing Business and Personal Life15:14 Support System and Team Dynamics15:55 Community Engagement and Sponsorships17:59 Challenges in Farming and Marketing19:52 Social Media Strategies20:40 Networking and Regulations22:36 Upcoming Events at The Patch25:57 Why I Do What I Do27:40 Conclusion and AcknowledgementsRecorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://www.facebook.com/thepatchfarm24/

In this episode of 'Small Town Big Business,' hosts Jennifer Olson and Russell Williams welcome Whitney Roberts and Jade Mccalla from Idea Creative Marketing. The discussion delves into the unique business journeys of Whitney and Jade, spotlighting the challenges and successes they've encountered in the marketing industry. Whitney shares her start in Marion, Illinois, and the growth of Idea Creative Marketing, emphasizing the importance of passion and adaptability in small business marketing. Jade discusses her experiences with the American Marketing Association and the dynamic nature of their day-to-day operations. The conversation also touches on the significance of local networking, the evolution of marketing strategies, and the benefits of working with small businesses over large corporations. The episode ends with insights into their personalized approach to marketing services and the impact of community-focused growth. Special thanks to sponsors and contributors who make the podcast possible.00:00 Welcome to Small Town Big Business00:51 Introducing Whitney Roberts and Jade McCalla01:14 The Journey of Idea Creative Marketing01:35 Office Space and Community Involvement04:17 Roles and Responsibilities04:56 Background Stories and Career Paths13:12 Marketing Evolution and Strategies18:12 Team Dynamics and Strengths22:17 AMA Conference and Networking23:10 Financial Turnaround of AMA24:59 Fundraising Success Stories27:20 Challenges of Retaining Local Talent29:30 Small Business vs. Corporate Jobs34:17 Client Relationships and Onboarding41:22 Custom Marketing Solutions44:46 Passion and Motivation in Marketing48:31 Conclusion and AcknowledgementsRecorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://ideacreativemarketing.com/

In this episode of Small Town Big Business, hosts Jennifer Olson and Russ Williams interview Sherry Barter Hamlin and Kim Barr from The Voyage Senior Living, a senior living organization in Southern Illinois. Sherry, the CEO, and Kim, the Chief People Officer, discuss their mission to provide quality assisted living, independent living, and memory care services for seniors. They highlight the organization's focus on person-centered care, the importance of community involvement, and the unique challenges and rewards of operating in a non-profit model. They also delve into their staff training, recruitment strategies, and the passionate commitment to serving residents and employees alike.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:49 Meet Our Guests: Kim Barr and Sherry Barter Hamlin02:38 The Voyage Senior Living: Services and Locations03:37 Fundraising and Charitable Programs07:54 Employee Recruitment and Training09:40 Creating a Positive Culture and Values13:28 Volunteer Opportunities and Community Engagement17:15 Handling Difficult Situations and People21:32 Challenges and Delegation26:25 Employee Dedication and Hands-On Leadership27:37 Future Plans: Independent Living and Memory Care31:05 Community Engagement and Support32:36 Resident and Employee Satisfaction40:47 Personal Stories and Passion for Senior Care46:19 Volunteer Opportunities and Fundraisers48:39 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsRecorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://voyageseniorliving.com/

In this episode of Small Town Big Business, we talk with Nate Watts, founder of Revival Land Management, a growing excavation and landscaping company based in Southern Illinois. Nate shares how he turned his passion for heavy equipment and land work into a thriving business serving the Lake of Egypt area and beyond.

In this inspiring episode of Small Town Big Business, we sit down with Faith Wagner, founder of The Downtown Dip, an ice cream shop that’s scooping joy in not just one, but TWO Southern Illinois towns — Carterville and Marion!

In this episode of Small Town Big Business, we sit down with Teresa Katubig, founder and CEO of HireLevel, to explore how she built one of the most impactful workforce management companies in the Midwest—starting from a single office in Southern Illinois.Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-katubig-03502b7/SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:Watermark Auto Group: https://www.watermark.auto/Fowler Heating & Cooling: https://fowlerheatingandcooling.com/Swinford Media Group: https://swinfordpublications.com/Arcadia Wealth Group: https://www.raymondjames.com/arcadiawealthgroupBanterra Bank: https://www.banterra.bank/Southern Illinois Now: https://southernillinoisnow.org/Produced by Union Street Arts: https://www.unionstreetarts.com/Russell Williams: https://www.facebook.com/RussellDeanWilliams/Jennifer Olson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferolson618/Deb Barnett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahrbarnett/

In this episode of Small Town Big Business, co-hosts Deb Barnett and Russ Williams talk with Cynde Bunch, the founder of Walker's Bluff, a multi-faceted business in Southern Illinois. Cynde shares her journey from working as a nurse to becoming a successful business owner, highlighting the development of Walker's Bluff from her grandparents' property to a major destination featuring a vineyard, restaurants, and a casino resort. Cynde discusses her persistent advocacy for changes in local laws and infrastructure to support her vision, as well as the personal challenges and triumphs along the way. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, community support, and her passion for giving back to the local area. Cynde also teases future plans for further developments at Walker's Bluff, aiming to continue benefiting the Southern Illinois community.00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Background00:54 Introducing Cindy Bunch: Founder of Walker's Bluff01:20 Cindy's Journey into Business06:12 The Birth of Walker's Bluff12:32 Developing Walker's Bluff: From Gazebo to Concerts16:51 Walker's Bluff Casino Resort: Vision and Challenges24:38 Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated25:24 Supporting Local Businesses and Community26:22 The Importance of Personal Connections27:13 Giving Back to the Community29:35 Family Involvement in Business31:07 Community Support and Achievements38:03 Future Plans and Infrastructure40:43 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsRecorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://www.walkersbluff.com/

In this episode, Sean Hughes from Vernell's Interstate Service discusses the wide range of services offered by the company, from towing to diesel repair, tire sales, and road service. Sean shares the history of the family-owned business, which has been serving the community for over 60 years, starting from its founder Brunell Sellers' garage. He touches on the company's core values, the importance of maintaining a strong reputation, the challenges faced, and the relationships built with customers and local vendors. Sean also explains the training and safety measures taken to ensure high-quality service, and highlights the company's commitment to customer service and community engagement.Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://vernellsinterstateservice.com/00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:09 Overview of Verne's Interstate Services01:16 History of Verne's Interstate Service02:43 Service Area and Employee Details04:28 Company Values and Customer Service07:52 Employee Training and Safety11:31 Customer Relationships and Referrals14:31 Personal Background and Joining Verne's15:19 Challenges in Running the Business16:53 Adapting to Modern Work Culture17:24 Building a Strong Team18:52 Challenges in the Towing Business20:47 Industry Changes and Training23:38 Supporting Local Vendors24:29 Future Business Plans28:48 Community and Relationships32:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Small Town Big Business, we’re joined by Doug Kimmel, Airport Director at Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois, for an in-depth look at how a small-town airport plays a big role in regional connectivity, economic development, and military legacy.Doug shares the story of how the airport evolved from its roots as a flying service operated by Fred Valentin in the 1930s to a modern regional hub serving thousands of passengers annually. He discusses his own journey from Carbondale to managing an airport with growing traffic, new facilities, and a deep commitment to the community.

In this episode of Small Town Big Business, co-hosts Deb Barnett and Russ Williams welcome Noah Fulk, the founder of E-Wagers. Noah shares his journey from growing up in Southern Illinois to forming E-Wagers, a unique B2B platform that offers skill-based wagers and tournaments. Noah discusses his motivations, the challenges of launching a startup, forming an advisory board, and the significance of having a strong support network. Tune in to discover valuable insights about starting and scaling a business from a small town base. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:53 Meet Noah Folk: Southern Illinois Native 01:55 The Journey Back to Southern Illinois 03:16 E Wagers: Concept and Business Model 04:45 Navigating Legal and Compliance Challenges 10:01 Building a Strong Advisory Board 14:11 Launching and Pitching the Business 19:19 Relocating to Paducah, Kentucky 19:49 The Benefits of Sprocket Incubator 21:12 Building an Advisory Board 22:06 The Importance of Networking 23:28 Resources and Perseverance 23:58 Passion and Gaming 25:36 Future Founders Fellowship 28:01 Advice for Small Town Entrepreneurs 29:41 Scaling and Global Expansion 30:04 Final Thoughts and Acknowledgements Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois. https://members.ethosmarion.org/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Our guest: https://ewagers.co/

In this episode of Small Town Big Business, hosts Jennifer Olson and Russ Williams interview Susan Erston, co-owner of Just Add Water. Susan shares the incredible, accidental journey of transforming a simple bait shop into a bustling community hub and bar at Lake of Egypt. From early days of selling pies and coffee to hosting large events, Susan recounts the trials, triumphs, and community support that made it all possible. With tales of resilience, innovative ideas, and a tight-knit community, this inspiring story is a must-listen for anyone interested in the challenges and rewards of running a small-town business. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts 00:49 Introducing Susan Erston and Just Add Water 01:02 The Evolution of Just Add Water 04:02 Challenges and Adaptations 11:32 Community Support and Rebuilding 21:03 Making It Happen: From Tents to Stages 22:24 Building a Community Hub 22:37 Lessons Learned and Future Plans 24:41 The Drive Behind the Business 28:08 Expanding the Business: New Ideas and Products 34:17 Fun Stories and Final Thoughts Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois. https://members.ethosmarion.org/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Our guest: https://www.facebook.com/Justaddwater92