Homage: Ryan Vesler

In this episode I'm joined by Jim Keyes, the former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, to talk through his journey from humble beginnings to leading two of the most recognizable brands in the world. Jim opens up about how he worked multiple jobs—like flipping burgers at McDonald’s—to pay for school, made pivotal decisions in 7-Eleven’s growth, and led Blockbuster during its struggle against Netflix. He shares how his mindset shifted over the years, how he embraced adversity as opportunity, and how he navigated through some of the toughest leadership challenges in corporate America. Make sure to check out Jim's book, Education is Freedom at: https://www.amazon.com/Education-Freedom-Future-Your-Hands/dp/B0CH6X6BVB   Register for Starting Small Summit 2025: https://betheluniversity.edu/event/starting-small-summit-2025/ Sign up for Starting Small University to join our interviews LIVE and ask questions: https://startingsmallmedia.org/startingsmalluniversity Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup   Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle

In this episode, I'm joined by Chris & Jonathan Ronzio of Trainual, the leading SaaS platform transforming the way businesses onboard, train, and scale teams. Trainual streamlines essential processes by providing businesses with a digital playbook to standardize how work gets done. Whether teams are remote, in-office, or hybrid, Trainual ensures employees have the knowledge and resources they need to succeed, keeping everyone aligned and accountable. Founded by brothers Chris and Jonathan, Trainual empowers business leaders to systematize their operations, from documentation to delegation, enabling teams to grow seamlessly, so founders can focus on the things they love. Make sure to check out Trainual at: https://trainual.com   Register for Starting Small Summit 2025: https://betheluniversity.edu/event/starting-small-summit-2025/ Sign up for Starting Small University to join our interviews LIVE and ask questions: https://startingsmallmedia.org/startingsmalluniversity Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup   Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle

In this episode I am joined by Susan Levine, founder of Career Group Companies. Susan didn’t just build a recruiting agency—she redefined the industry. What started as a one-woman operation has grown into Career Group Companies, a national firm placing talent everywhere from Fortune 500 boardrooms to Hollywood’s biggest power players. Whether it’s staffing A-list assistants for Kevin Costner and Maria Shriver or securing top execs for industry giants, Susan knows what separates the best from the rest. In this episode, we dig into how she scaled CGC, the biggest hiring trends she’s seeing, and what job seekers and companies really need to know in today. Make sure to check out CGC at: https://www.careergroupcompanies.com/   Register for Starting Small Summit 2025: https://betheluniversity.edu/event/starting-small-summit-2025/ Sign up for Starting Small University to join our interviews LIVE and ask questions: https://startingsmallmedia.org/startingsmalluniversity Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup   Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle

In this episode I am joined by Jacob and Victor Eriksson, founders of Boxbollen. What do Khloe Kardashian, Will Smith, and thousands of TikTok creators have in common? They’ve all been hooked on Boxbollen, the Swedish reflex-training game that went viral overnight. Founded by two brothers, Boxbollen turned a simple head-tracking ball into a global fitness and gaming sensation. From partnerships with top athletes to landing in millions of homes, their journey is a masterclass in viral growth, product innovation, and community-driven marketing. In this episode, we break down how they built an addictive challenge that even the biggest names can’t put down. Make sure to check out Boxbollen at: https://boxbollen.com   Register for Starting Small Summit 2025: https://betheluniversity.edu/event/starting-small-summit-2025/ Sign up for Starting Small University to join our interviews LIVE and ask questions: https://startingsmallmedia.org/startingsmalluniversity Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup   Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle   Thank you to this episodes mid-break sponsor, Heavenly Heat Saunas. This isn't just any sauna—it's the cleanest, healthiest infrared sauna on the market. No hidden glues, no off-gassing, and built with 100% Canadian Hemlock wood. Infrared heat penetrates deeper, getting my blood pumping, easing muscle tension, and setting me up for peak focus. Plus, it’s low EMF and ELF, so I’m not trading my health for heat. And the best part? No electrician needed—just plug it in and you’re good to go. Ready to upgrade your wellness? Use Code CAMERON for $600 off at HeavenlyHeatSaunas.com – Trust me, you’ll feel the difference.

In this episode I am joined by Suze Dowling, co-founder of Pattern Brands. Suze Dowling has spent her career shaping some of the most recognizable brands in DTC. From launching Warby Parker and Harry’s at Gin Lane to co-founding Pattern Brands, she’s helped build companies that don’t just scale—they last. Now, with $99M raised and seven acquisitions, Pattern is creating a portfolio of home brands designed for how we actually live. In this episode, Suze shares the real playbook behind launching, acquiring, and growing brands in an evolving consumer landscape. Make sure to check out Pattern Brands at: https://www.patternbrands.com   Register for Starting Small Summit 2025: https://betheluniversity.edu/event/starting-small-summit-2025/ Sign up for Starting Small University to join our interviews LIVE and ask questions: https://startingsmallmedia.org/startingsmalluniversity Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup   Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle   Thank you to this episodes mid-break sponsor, Heavenly Heat Saunas. This isn't just any sauna—it's the cleanest, healthiest infrared sauna on the market. No hidden glues, no off-gassing, and built with 100% Canadian Hemlock wood. Infrared heat penetrates deeper, getting my blood pumping, easing muscle tension, and setting me up for peak focus. Plus, it’s low EMF and ELF, so I’m not trading my health for heat. And the best part? No electrician needed—just plug it in and you’re good to go. Ready to upgrade your wellness? Use Code CAMERON for $600 off at HeavenlyHeatSaunas.com – Trust me, you’ll feel the difference.

In this episode I am joined by David Habib, founder of Yo Mama's. Tired of bland, preservative-packed sauces that caused him relentless heartburn, David took matters into his own hands. Trading spreadsheets for saucepans, he founded Yo Mama’s Foods in 2017 with a mission to create pasta sauces made from simple, honest ingredients—just like his mom would. Bootstrapped from his personal savings, David built a brand now found in over 25,000 stores worldwide, with tens of millions of jars sold and a #2 ranking for marinara sauces on Amazon. In this episode, hear how David scaled Yo Mama’s into the fastest-growing pasta sauce brand in the U.S. without a penny of outside capital. Make sure to check out Yo Mama's at: https://yomamasfoods.com   Register for Starting Small Summit 2025: https://betheluniversity.edu/event/starting-small-summit-2025/ Sign up for Starting Small University to join our interviews LIVE and ask questions: https://startingsmallmedia.org/startingsmalluniversity Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup   Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle   Thank you to this episodes mid-break sponsor, Heavenly Heat Saunas. This isn't just any sauna—it's the cleanest, healthiest infrared sauna on the market. No hidden glues, no off-gassing, and built with 100% Canadian Hemlock wood. Infrared heat penetrates deeper, getting my blood pumping, easing muscle tension, and setting me up for peak focus. Plus, it’s low EMF and ELF, so I’m not trading my health for heat. And the best part? No electrician needed—just plug it in and you’re good to go. Ready to upgrade your wellness? Use Code CAMERON for $600 off at HeavenlyHeatSaunas.com – Trust me, you’ll feel the difference.  

In this episode I am joined by Mike Browne, founder of HEALiX Infrared. Mike shares his transformative journey from competitive hockey and professional psychology to launching a cutting-edge wellness brand. With a foundation built on years of expertise in fitness, nutrition, and mental health, Mike created HEALiX to bring advanced therapies like PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy) and red light therapy to a wider audience. Make sure to check out HEALiX at: https://www.healixinfrared.com   Register for Starting Small Summit 2025: https://betheluniversity.edu/event/starting-small-summit-2025/ Sign up for Starting Small University to join our interviews LIVE and ask questions: https://startingsmallmedia.org/startingsmalluniversity Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup   Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle

In this episode I am joined by Courtney Claghorn of SUGARED + BRONZED, the national leader in sugaring and spray tanning services with over 38 locations across five states. What began in Courtney’s Santa Monica apartment as a quest to create healthier, more aesthetic tanning options has grown into a self-care empire. Leaving a successful career in Fintech, Courtney combined her passion for natural beauty with her entrepreneurial spirit to redefine the spray tanning and hair removal experience. In this episode, she shares how she built a business rooted in quality, accessibility, and personal touches, from crafting her training protocols to curating the art in every location. Make sure to check out SUGARED + BRONZED at: https://sugaredandbronzed.com   Register for Starting Small Summit 2025: https://betheluniversity.edu/event/starting-small-summit-2025/ Sign up for Starting Small University to join our interviews LIVE and ask questions: https://startingsmallmedia.org/startingsmalluniversity Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup   Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle

In this episode I am joined by Priya of Hapny Home, a brand redefining hardware with its curated collection of solid brass pieces. Growing up immersed in the hardware business, Priya took the unconventional route of building her own brand instead of joining her father’s 40-year-old company. With an eye for detail and a commitment to quality, Priya has filled a gap in the market, crafting hardware that balances luxury and accessibility. Discover her journey of entrepreneurship, the challenges of carving her own path, and how she’s setting new standards for design and craftsmanship in the industry. Make sure to check out Happy Home at: https://hapnyhome.com   Register for Starting Small Summit 2025: https://betheluniversity.edu/event/starting-small-summit-2025/ Sign up for Starting Small University to join our interviews LIVE and ask questions: https://startingsmallmedia.org/startingsmalluniversity Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup   Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle

In this episode I am joined by Lillian Tung and Laura Schubert, lifelong friends and co-founders of Fur, pioneered the pubic hair and skin care category nearly a decade ago. Breaking taboos, they created a brand known for standout products like Fur Oil, a favorite of Emma Watson, and grew a loyal following, including over 12,000 professional estheticians. After landing a Shark Tank deal with Lori Greiner in 2019, Fur expanded its reach to Ulta stores nationwide and continues to reshape the conversation around body and hair care. Make sure to check out Fur at: https://furyou.com   Register for Starting Small Summit 2025: https://betheluniversity.edu/event/starting-small-summit-2025/ Sign up for Starting Small University to join our interviews LIVE and ask questions: https://startingsmallmedia.org/startingsmalluniversity Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup   Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle