Small Business Matters

In this episode of the Small Business Matters podcast, Tim Fulton and his co-host, Taylor Fulton, welcome Brendan Martin, a Billboard-charting artist, songwriter, coach, and founder of Purpose Driven Entertainment. Brendan has collaborated with top names like Kendrick Lamar, T-Pain, and Mac Miller, while also helping over 1,000 artists land label deals, achieve a billion Spotify streams, and generate hundreds of millions of social media views. Brendan shares his journey from freestyle battles in high school to opening for Mac Miller and Snoop Dogg, signing a restrictive record deal that stalled his career for a decade, and ultimately finding his calling in developing and marketing artists. His story highlights the resilience needed to pivot, adapt, and turn setbacks into opportunities. Key takeaways from the conversation include: • Customer care is everything: Small businesses can differentiate themselves from larger competitors through exceptional client service and relationships. • Leadership responsibili

What happens when a crisis hits your business? Would you be ready—or reactive? In this thought-provoking episode, Tim Fulton sits down with Megan Paquin, founder and CEO of Paquin Public Relations, to explore the high-stakes world of crisis communications. With experience advising Fortune 100 brands, global institutions, and even litigation before the U.S. Supreme Court, Megan knows exactly how reputations are built—and how they can unravel in an instant. She shares candid insights on: • What crisis communications really is (and what it’s not) • Why reputational equity is your best defense • The underrated power of asking for help as a business owner • How adopting an abundance mindset can reframe uncertainty and drive growth • A seasoned strategist, accredited PR counselor, and entrepreneur, Megan also reflects on launching her own agency—and what she would’ve done differently if she could go back—she would have started sooner. Whether you're navigating a challenge now or want to prepare for what’s ahead,

Longtime SBM friend Ryan Tabb recently joined Tim on the Small Business Matters Podcast. Ryan was an early graduate of the SBDC GrowSmart program (then called Fast Track) and a founding member of the SBM Mastermind Group. The Founder and CEO of Peachtree Junk Removal was working for a trash pickup company when he realized the demand for bulk item removal in metro Atlanta could support a small business. He created a business plan and launched Peachtree Junk Removal in 2009 with two employees. Fifteen years later, Peachtree has earned a reputation for exceptional customer service and professionalism. In this episode, Ryan shares his entrepreneurial journey spanning 25 years in junk removal and recycling. He offers insights on maintaining a standard of professionalism, the importance of building strong internal and external relationships, and using digital marketing to grow your customer base. Join us to learn how to leverage Google in your marketing efforts, why CEOs need to prepare for both success and setbac

In the latest episode of the Small Business Matters Podcast, Dean Rosson joins Tim and Taylor for an eye-opening discussion about health and fitness, and their impact on small business. Specializing in transforming individuals, companies, and organizations to improve their profitability, Dean explains why establishing a wellness culture is also important for your company's health. The co-founder and president of Fit2Win Corporate Wellness also dispels several fitness myths, shares how to die young at a very old age, and describes how taking care of your employees ensures your customers are taken care of too. Episode Highlights: • What Matters to Small Business [0:3:29] • Implementing a Wellness Culture [0:05:14] • Dean’s Story [0:10:23] • Valuable Lessons Learned from a Dumbbell" [0:17:14] • Programs for Small Business [0:22:42] • Rapid Fire [0:26:20] • Takeaways [0:32:19] • Contact Information [0:33:46] • SBM News [0:33:55]

In the latest episode of the Small Business Matters Podcast, entrepreneur, podcast host, and TV personality Richard Grove discusses his approach to managing growth, the pros and cons of running a family business, and strategies for making work engaging and enjoyable. The COO of Wall Control explains how he led the company to achieve over $100 million in lifetime retail sales by expanding its presence in the home improvement, commercial hardware, and industrial automation sectors. Richard also shares his experiences as the host of the Organization Conversation Radio Show & Podcast on Business RadioX, and as a regular contributor on the TV show "Renovation Hunters" on the Outdoor Channel. Episode Highlights: • What Matters to Small Business [0:2:42] • Finding Motivation [0:05:27] • Learning to Let Go [0:07:25] • Common Challenges for Small Businesses Owners [0:11:50] • Pros & Cons of Family Businesses [0:13:20] • Tactics for Work/Life Balance [0:15:41] • Best & Worst Mistakes [0:17:27] • Marketing Strategy f

In the first 2025 episode of the Small Business Matters Podcast, Sierra Piedmont's founder and CEO Scott Pate joins Tim and Taylor to discuss the importance of the client experience and delivery speed to small business success. Scott shares his journey as a third-generation entrepreneur who began in the oil industry and ultimately founded a business in environmental engineering. Please tune in for insights on leadership, maintaining a healthy level of passion for your business, and how walking the El Camino can change your business—and your life. Episode Highlights: • What Matters to Small Business [0:3:10] • How It Began [0:03:45] • Leadership Roles [0:06:49] • Employee Interaction [0:07:48] • Benefits of a Peer Group [0:09:15] • Competitive Advantages [0:11:40] • Learning from Mistakes [0:13:52] • Advice to Aspiring Business Owners [0:14:59] • Experiencing the El Camino [0:16:08] • Analogy Between Small Business and the El Camino [0:18:59] • Rapid Fire [0:20:40] • Contact Information [0:24:45] • Takeaways

In this episode, branding expert Andy Suggs stops by to shed light on one of the small business owner’s most confusing areas of responsibility: marketing. Andy shares his expertise on defining and building your brand, understanding the 12 different brand archetypes, and common mistakes small businesses make. Tune in to learn how consumers digest information today, how Aaron Rents underwent a successful engagement that transformed their brand, and how a simple day of fishing turned into an epic tale. Episode Highlights: • What Matters to Small Business [0:1:58] • How It Began [0:02:46] • Defining Your Brand [0:04:19] • Examples of Great Branding [0:07:24] • What a Brand Engagement Looks Like [0:09:47] • Branding Mistakes Small Businesses Make [0:15:58] • About Reckon Branding [0:17:59] • Leading Client Onboarding [0:19:28] • What’s Different Today [0:20:34] • Aaron Rents: Portrait of a Successful Brand Engagement [0:23:00] • One Piece of Marketing Advice [0:27:44] • Rapid Fire [0:30:13] • Takeaways [0:35:00

For more than 30 years, Thomas J. Ashenden has dedicated his career to representing injured people who have been the victims of negligence. Founded 24 years ago, Ashenden & Associates handles catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases arising from negligence involving automobiles, premises liability, medical negligence, hotel and apartment security negligence, and Workers’ Compensation claims. Mr. Ashenden was named to the Georgia Super Lawyers list for 10 consecutive years. He was also honored to become certified as a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum based in Santa Cruz, CA, in 2000. Other honors include: • Named to Martindale-Hubbell’s Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers in America • The Million Dollar Advocates Forum, certified member • “Leading Plaintiff’s Lawyers in America, The Law Dragon 3000″, Member Peoples Law School, Past Chairman • AV Rating • Named to Georgia Super Lawyers List, 2014 – 2023 Show Notes: In this episode, Super Lawyer, Vistage member, and

Dr. Bernie Mullin is a globally recognized management and marketing consultant and speaker, renowned for his unique approach to sports marketing. Co-author of the book “Sports Marketing,” Bernie's career spans over 30 years as a chief executive or senior director in prominent organizations in professional sports, collegiate athletics, and entertainment venue operations. His focus on start-ups and turn-around situations has led to the development of winning organizations on the field, court, and ice, and the creation of sustained peak-performing organizations on the business side, achieving unprecedented levels of success. In his distinguished career, Bernie has received numerous additional honors and recognition including being dubbed “The Guru of Ticket Sales” by Sports Illustrated in 1993, “The Pirate of Profitability” in 1986 by the forerunner of the SportsBusiness Journal, and being named the Boy Scouts of America “Peach of an Athlete Award” recipient in 2008. Bernie is also the Founder and Chairman of T

Pat Renn is a financial professional who has been cited in ABC, NBC, FOX, and CBS for his work in wealth management. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ with over 35 years of financial counseling experience, he is also the president and founder of The Renn Wealth Management Group. Pat once served as president of both the Georgia Society of the Institute of Certified Financial Planners and the Georgia chapter of the International Association for Financial Planning. A published author as well, Pat has written two books, Finding Your Money’s Greater Purpose, and most recently, Your Financial Future and Legacy. He was born in Greece and moved with his family to the U.S. when he was 10 years old. Today Pat resides in metro Atlanta and is married with two sons. In his leisure time, he enjoys traveling, golfing, fly fishing, and wing shooting. Show Notes: In this episode, financial planner and successful small business owner Pat Renn joins our hosts for an informative discussion on succession planning. Pat shares insi

Steve Reisig is one of the founding partners of SRSA Commercial Real Estate and specializes in the leasing and sale of office and industrial space. His impressive career includes over 33 years of experience in commercial real estate brokerage, consulting, and asset management and his portfolio boasts over One Billion dollars in sales and leases. Reisig along with his partner Barry Spizer, CCIM, received the F. Poche Waguespack Award for the highest volume of commercial real estate sales and leases in Louisiana. Reisig is a multi-million dollar producer and recognized by the Real Estate Board of New Orleans as a Life Member and Super Salesman for 27 consecutive years. Show Notes: In this episode, Tim and Taylor welcome one of Tim’s oldest friends to the show. A successful entrepreneur in commercial real estate, Steve Reisig shares insights into today’s market, how to maintain a strong business partnership for more than 40 years, the secret to working with your spouse, and what’s ahead for the changing busin

The voice of the Kansas City Royals, Joel Goldberg is also an Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, keynote speaker, and published author. He began dreaming of a career as a sportscaster at a young age, always wanting to deliver news of the previous night’s game to his teachers. He’s spent more than a quarter century on television, relying on relationship-building to tell athletes' stories. Joel’s unique access enables him to share lessons learned from the baseball field to the boardroom as a motivational speaker and to homes everywhere through his business podcast, “Rounding the Bases”. Joel helps clients build a stronger culture and speak about the little things that add up to the big home runs in business and life. He is the author of “Small Ball Big Results” and believes that finding passion and a reason for doing the little things can unlock big results. Show Notes: In this episode, Tim and Taylor enjoy talking about two of their favorite things—baseball and small business. They’re joined by Joel Goldber

In 2021, Alina Lee founded Your Ad Attorney, LLC which serves as outside general counsel to companies in the marketing, tech, retail, utilities, and consulting spaces. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Alina was Senior Corporate Counsel for several corporations including Mailchimp and Southern Company Gas, worked as a corporate transactional attorney at Morris, Manning & Martin (MMM) in Atlanta, and practiced corporate transactional law for almost two years at Rogers & Hardin. Alina graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School, where she received Academic Excellence Awards in Comparative Law and Immigration Law and Policy. She attended the University of Georgia for her undergraduate degree in History while playing on UGA's varsity women's golf team, which was ranked top five in the nation. In her sophomore year, Alina became the youngest medalist of a NCAA Division I golf tournament when she tied for first place (no play-off) at the Ladies Puerto Rico Classic. Show Notes: In this episode, Tim and Taylo

Steve Reisig is one of the founding partners of SRSA Commercial Real Estate and specializes in the leasing and sale of office and industrial space. His impressive career includes over 33 years of experience in commercial real estate brokerage, consulting and asset management and his portfolio boasts over One Billion dollars in sales and leases. Reisig along with his partner Barry Spizer, CCIM, received the F. Poche Waguespack Award for the highest volume of commercial real estate sales and leases in Louisiana. Reisig is a multi-million dollar producer and recognized by the Real Estate Board of New Orleans as a Life Member and Super Salesman for 27 consecutive years. Show Notes: In this episode, Tim and Taylor welcome one of Tim’s oldest friends to the show. A successful entrepreneur in commercial real estate, Steve Reisig shares insights into today’s market, how to maintain a strong business partnership for more than 40 years, the secret to working with your spouse, and what’s ahead for the changing busin

Scott Wozniak, CEO of Swoz Consulting, has consulted with leaders on six continents, including Silicon Valley startups, family enterprises, and Fortune 500 companies. A member of Mensa, Scott reads over 200 books each year and has written three books, with a fourth coming at the end of 2023. He earned a master’s degree in business with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership. Scott has worked with some of the leading brands of our time including multiple Silicon Valley “unicorns” and Nucor Steel. During an eight-year tenure with Chick-fil-A, Scott worked directly with the founding family and executive team to design leadership development programs, set strategy, and lead company-wide upgrades—and though he is not an employee there anymore, he regularly consults with their leaders. Scott enjoys working with leaders who have a passion for being great. Show Notes: In this episode, CEO of Swoz Consulting and 2021 SBM Conference speaker Scott Wozniak drops by to chat with Tim. Scott shared his thoughts

As a Career Transition Coach and LinkedIn Strategist, Erin Andersen has extensive experience in writing resumes and cover letters, creating LinkedIn pages that stand out during your job search, and coaching on how to land your next job. Her areas of expertise are Transition, Toxic Work Culture Navigation, and LinkedIn. Erin also provides LinkedIn marketing strategy and training for small to medium sized businesses in regard to profile optimization and content strategy. She holds a Master of Science in Management from Wake Forest University and earned a BA in English Language from Furman University. Show Notes: In this episode, LinkedIn strategist Erin Andersen sits down with Tim and Taylor to share best practices for creating a successful LinkedIn strategy. The informative discussion explores the evolution of LinkedIn from a site primarily used for recruiting, to the business and networking platform we know today. Erin provides insights on all things LinkedIn, from creating individual and company pages

Jay McDonald is a successful Executive Coach to CEOs, business owners, and leaders in multiple industries, helping folks become their best while enjoying great personal lives, and improving results. He’s also an experienced board member, having served on dozens of boards, chairing every board committee during his career. Jay is the author of Strategic Jaywalking: The Secret Sauce to Life & Leadership Excellence, and Co-Author of Corporate Banking: A Practical Approach to Lending. A Vistage Master Chair, currently leading five Vistage groups, Jay is a graduate and facilitator of the prestigious Stanford Vistage Executive Leadership Program. Show Notes: Tim and Taylor recently welcomed Tim’s friend Jay McDonald to the podcast. Jay shares the lessons he’s learned over a 40-year career that began in a bank mailroom. Tune in to learn why leaders must be willing to ask the difficult questions, the key to leading successfully in good times and in bad times, and why Jay keeps failing at retirement. Episode Hi

A skilled human resources trainer, Hunter Lott is dedicated to the rights of management and good business decision-making. He has presented to over 100,000 business owners and managers at all levels on topics such as hiring, motivation, leadership, firing, and staying out of court. Hunter is also the author of Please Sue Me-The Guide to Safe Hiring and Firing Practices for the Frontline Manager with a Short Attention Span. He serves as HR support for small businesses and a resource for individual leaders in their situational decision-making through his website HunterLott.com. An award-winning senior course leader for the American Management Association, Hunter is a top-rated speaker with the Society for Human Resource Management. He was named “Speaker of the Year” for Vistage in 2006 and received a lifetime achievement award from Vistage in 2012. Show Notes: When it comes to managing talent, Hunter Lott is the smartest person Tim knows. In this episode, Hunter blows the lid off common human resources my

Lisa Dugan helps business owners and executives achieve their individual vision of success. She has been a Chairperson for 10 years with Vistage International and Partner and Executive Coach for 25 years with Bixler Consulting Group. In addition, Lisa co-authored several business books on executive presence and advancement strategies for success and is a popular presenter and panel moderator at Vistage International conferences and seminars. She is also an Executive MBA Advisory Board Member and Adjunct Professor at Kennesaw State University. Lisa is determined to add value to her clients’ businesses, whether they’re starting up, growing up, or selling out. Show Notes: In this episode, Lisa describes the role of the small business CEO as the quarterback and the importance of a strong support team around them. She also talks about the need to develop leaders sooner and how to close the readiness gap. Lisa, Tim, and Taylor discuss the reasons CEOs need to have tough, honest conversations with their employ

In 2013, Jonathan left a mid-sized firm, where he served as corporate counsel for large privately-held corporations and small businesses, to found InPrime Legal – a revolutionary way for businesses to approach legal. In doing so, he left the bloody red ocean of the traditional “bill-you-for-every-minute” law firm model and created a “blue ocean” of proactive and predictable legal services for small to mid-sized companies. For the past three years, Jonathan has been recognized by Georgia Trend as one of Georgia’s Legal Elite and by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star. Under Jonathan’s leadership, the Cobb Chamber of Commerce recognized InPrime Legal as a Top 25 Small Business for 2018. Show Notes: In this episode, Jonathan talks about the courage it takes to start your own business, the importance of advocating for your vision as a small business leader, how commitment to your business goals drives success, and how at its core, the purpose of every business it to serve its customers. Episode Highlights: •