Entrepreneur Exchange

It’s a holiday tradition and it’s back…the Entrepreneur Exchange “Business Lessons from the Movies” Podtacular edition, as Alan Jackson and Chris Frye with the Footcandle Film Society, join hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller to share movie recommendations that have a business lesson takeaway. We love the holidays but just in case you need a break from the in-laws, these movies will entertain and give you something to think about. Plus you get a helping of small businesses of the month and a holiday edition of the lightning round to fill up your Xmas gift bag. It’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange on The MESH podcast network! Helpful links from this episode Footcandle Film Society, Footcandle Films podcast, Manufacturing Solutions Center Small Business of the Month Discogs, Jagielky’s Homemade Candy, Deaf Santa Claus See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This month’s Entrepreneur Exchange features Holden Bierman, a 17-year-old entrepreneur who started the Coastal Cool brand…when he was 12. Hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller discuss Holden’s startup, how it is helping take waste out of our oceans, and how they do their best to connect to the younger generation. Also, Holden plays the Lightning Round and the group shares some small businesses to check out. It’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange on The MESH podcast network! Helpful Links: Manufacturing Solutions Center The MESH Coastal Cool Tidey Small Businesses mentioned in this episode: Atriax Group Teacher Under Pressure See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Starting your business can be overwhelming and sometimes you need a hand. Cherith Roberson with Flourish in Growth joins this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange to talk about her startup and creating The Guided Small Business Planner which helps entrepreneurs take the steps they need to build a successful foundation and business. Plus hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller share some small businesses for you to check out, and Cherith takes the plunge into the Lightning Round. It’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange on The MESH podcast network! Helpful Links: Manufacturing Solutions Center, Flourish in Growth, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, The MESH Small Businesses of the Month: Pinky’s Westside Grill, Analog Digital Systems See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if you had a business that reduced waste and helped the environment? The Material Return in Morganton, NC is working to create a circular textile economy, taking back textile waste and turning it into new products. Bob Carswell, the Director of Research and Development for The Material Return, joins hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller to discuss how his company works with manufacturers, brands, and consumers to keep waste from clogging our landfills. Plus we have an exciting edition of our Lightning Round and new small businesses you should be checking out. It’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange on The MESH podcast network! Helpful Links: Manufacturing Solutions Center, The Material Return, Smartwool Second Cut Project Small Businesses of the Month: Recycling Group, Knob Creek Farms and Creamery Economy Candy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Many entrepreneurs consider opening a retail store…until they realize all of the expense they have to burn through before they can open the doors. Ruth and John Featherstone join hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange and share their story about how they started The Rose Thrift and More and how it fits with their non-profit which supports their local community. Plus we have our Lightning Round and highlight some small businesses you should be checking out. It’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange on The MESH podcast network! Helpful Links From This Episode: The Rose Thrift and More, Manufacturing Solutions Center, NC Small Business Center Network Small Businesses of the Month: Pleneri, Barger Printing, Bottega, Vintage Blue See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You need a lunchtime beer, but you have to go back to work? How about trying a non-alcoholic beer! Caleb Drown and Brian Garrison, founders of Bright Barrel, join hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange to discuss the startup of their new business and how they hit on a non-alcoholic beer option. Plus Caleb and Brian are on the clock for a Lightning Round of questions, and we share some small businesses that you should be checking out. It’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange on The MESH podcast network! Helpful links: Bright Barrel Non-Alcoholic Beer, Manufacturing Solutions Center Small Businesses of the month: Cinder Bistro, Neighbors 828 Artisan Kitchen Refibred See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You want to start a restaurant or bar, but the banks won’t talk with you? We will! This month’s Entrepreneur Exchange welcomes Zack Cranford with Cranford Hospitality, who has succeeded in opening restaurants, distilleries, and breweries, to talk about his experience and some do’s and don’ts for entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry. Plus Zack and podcast hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller share some small businesses that you should be checking out. It’s all here in this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange on The MESH podcast network! Helpful links: Manufacturing Solutions Center, Cranford Hospitality Small Businesses of the Month: Tap Root Coffee, Lovely Day Studios, NC Textile Innovation and Sustainability Engine See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This month’s Entrepreneur Exchange is a rocker, as Andrew Moose (affectionally known as Moose)—the co-owner and operator of outdoor music venue the hum—joins podcast hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller to discuss the challenges of starting his business and building and establishing an audience for an entertainment startup. In addition to exploring Moose’s musical background and co-host Gary Muller’s interest in hip-hop, the episode highlights some tasty small businesses you should check out. It’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange! Helpful Links Manufacturing Solutions Center, the hum, Moose and Friends Small Businesses of the Month: Las Isabelas, CVCC Furniture Academy Showroom, The Paper See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This month on the Entrepreneur Exchange, what if you had access to your own business counselor and startup resources and it only cost you…nothing? If you’re in North Carolina, you’re in luck! In this month’s episode, Anne Shaw, the State Director of the NC Small Business Center Networks, explains the services that Small Business Centers provide and the economic impact they generate. Anne and hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller also discuss roadblocks that startups encounter and the attributes that many successful entrepreneurs exhibit. And the group share a mix of new businesses to check out, from coffee to customized clothing…it’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange on The MESH podcast network! Helpful Links: Manufacturing Solutions Center, NC Small Business Center Network Small Businesses of the Month: Jireh Peruvian Coffee, Golden Rule Musical School, Project B See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Entrepreneur Exchange hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller crack open the mailbag to answer emails from listeners about all things start-up…funding, marketing, branding, support resources, and…cannabis? Gary also gets to have his own Lightning Round, plus they share some businesses you should be checking out on this month’s Small Business of the Month feature. It’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange! Helpful links: Manufacturing Solutions Center, NC IDEA, Catawba County Chamber of Commerce Small Businesses of the Month mentioned in this episode: J Corwin Pottery, DTFI, Weyeze See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Low-cost imports have driven most apparel manufacturers overseas…but not all of them. Eric Henry with TS Designs joins hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller to share how his company has found a niche as a domestic manufacturer by shortening supply chains, building relationships, and focusing on local materials and sustainability. Plus you’ll get some cool small businesses to check out, as we veer into beer, hemp, and okra! It’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange on The MESH podcast network! Helpful links from this episode: Manufacturing Solutions Center, The MESH, TS Designs, Burlington Beer Works Co-op Small Businesses of the Month: Bear Fiber, Pages Okra Grill, American Roots Wear See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s a New Year and the Entrepreneur Exchange is here to help with your New Year’s productivity resolutions. Wake Tech (NC) Community College Small Business Center Director Todd Lyden joins hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller to discuss productivity tools and apps that you can use to get more done--and to dip your toe into AI. Plus we’ll have some businesses you can check out on the year’s first Small Business of the Month feature. It’s all here on the Entrepreneur Exchange on The MESH podcast network! Helpful Links: Manufacturing Solutions Center, Wake Tech Small Business Center Productivity Links: ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing, Google Bard, Futurepedia, There’s an AI for That, Get App, Validator AI, Venture Kit AI Small Businesses of the Month: Burgaw Brewing, The Habit Burger Grill, Battery Xchange See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s a holiday tradition…the Entrepreneur Exchange “Business Lessons from the Movies” Podtacular edition, as Alan Jackson and Chris Frye with the Footcandle Film Society, join hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller to share movie recommendations that have a business lesson takeaway. We love the holidays but just in case you need a break from the in-laws, these movies will entertain and give you something to think about. Plus you get a helping of small businesses of the month to check out to fill up your Xmas gift bag. It’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange on The MESH podcast network! Helpful Links From This Episode: Manufacturing Solutions Center, Footcandle Film Society Small Businesses of the Month Bitty and Beaus Coffee, Casa Azul Mexican Kitchen, Magnolia Salon and Suites, Tiny Earth Toys See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This month’s Entrepreneur Exchange helps startups and small businesses understand the complicated topic of business insurance---what do you need, what can you avoid, and how can you make sure you’ve got the right insurance to help you sleep at night without breaking the bank? Host Jeff Neuville is joined by Brian Garrison with On Point Consulting to talk through the types of insurance, including cybersecurity and employment liability policies, so you can get your business up and running. Plus we’ve got a Lightning Round with Halloween and Thanksgiving treats, and our Small Business of the Month feature with beer and a new way to run the rapids…it’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange! Helpful Links: Manufacturing Solutions Center, On Point Insurance Consulting, NC IDEA Ecosystem Summit, Hubspot Small Businesses of the Month: City Walk Brewing, Bellyak See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Good entrepreneurs find ways to solve problems. This month’s Entrepreneur Exchange guest, Megan Eddings with Accel Lifestyle has figured out how to stop the stink coming from her husband’s workout clothes! Tune into this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange for Megan’s entrepreneurial story with hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller and hear how Megan pivoted during the pandemic to start her second company. Plus you’ll get some cool businesses in this month’s Small Business of the Month feature…it’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange on the MESH! Helpful links from this episode: Manufacturing Solutions Center, Accel Lifestyle, Accel Unite Small Businesses of the Month: Nap Bar, Little Mountain Mums, TS Designs See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s the biggest market segment in the world…and you may be ignoring it! This month’s Entrepreneur Exchange welcomes Lee Moritz with the NC Military Business Center to discuss the Center’s services—which have resulted in over $17 billion in contracts for businesses -- and how to get started with selling to the government and to the military. Plus hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller share their small businesses of the month and run Lee through the Lightning Round grinder…it’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange! Helpful links from mentions in this episode: Manufacturing Solutions Center, NC Military Business Center, System for Award Management (SAM), NC Small Business Center Network Small Businesses of the Month: Atriax, Ye Ole Fashioned, The Arbor Shop See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange, Mickie Kennedy with eReleases joins host Jeff Neuville to share how press releases can be used to build an audience and get your business’ message out…on a budget! Mickie also shares some lessons from starting his own business, including the importance of making data-based decisions and adding employees to his solo start-up. Plus, it’s not the shoes…it’s the laces with this month’s Small Business of the Month feature. Check it out on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange on The MESH podcast network! Small Business of the Month: Hickory Brands Helpful Links The MESH, Manufacturing Solutions Center See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This month’s Entrepreneur Exchange welcomes Bob Boniface and Tyrel Sulzer, two Harvard MBA graduates who studied Entrepreneurship by Acquisition and put their studies into action…by purchasing a family-owned truck driving school! Join hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller as they discuss the challenges of finding the right business, building a new corporate culture, and how they’ve overcome other bumps in the road to build a scalable business. Plus we’ve got some small businesses that you should be checking out on our Small Business of the Month feature…it’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange on The MESH podcast network! Helpful links from this episode:Trans-Tech Truck Driving School, Manufacturing Solutions Center Small Business of the Month: Diane’s Dairy Center, Four Peas in a Pod, Taste Bud’s Popcorn, The Wall Printer See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Samurai swords can only take a startup so far…this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange welcomes Pete Nappier with the Samurai Institute in Hickory, NC who discusses the challenges in starting his martial arts business and getting his marketing message out on a shoestring budget. Plus hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller share their small businesses of the month, which include some tasty sweets and beach gear to get you ready for the summer. It’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange on the MESH podcast network! Helpful Links: Manufacturing Solutions Center, The Samurai Institute, The Hickory Hub Small Businesses of the Month: Inner Chi Arts ,Carpe Custom Bakery, Shibumi See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You have an idea for a product or service, but how do you take it to market? How do you fund it? Is it viable? John Ujvari, Director of Technology Commercialization at NC’s Small Business and Technology Development Center, joins hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange to discuss the steps to commercialize a product, from customer discovery, protecting intellectual property, to identifying potential sources. Plus we have businesses to check on this month’s Small Business of the Month feature, including mobile pet exercise and a way to support our military spouses. It’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange on The MESH podcast network! Helpful Links: Manufacturing Solutions Center, Small Business and Technology Development Center Small Businesses of the Month: Power Pup Mobile Dog Gym, R Riveter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.