The Small Business Mindset Podcast is a real life, in the trenches conversation about how you can make your small business run successfully. Host Kirsten Flory, Founder and CEO of Foundations Commercial Real Estate, shares her journey on how she created a successful small businesses, and how she ha
Watch this episode on YouTube ! What does it really take to build a successful small business? In this episode, Kirsten sits down with Chase Fairchild, serial entrepreneur and founder/CEO of Bolt Marketing in Lexington, Kentucky for a wide-ranging conversation about entrepreneurship, marketing, community, and the lessons that come from both success and failure. Chase shares how his entrepreneurial journey started with something as simple as cutting grass door-to-door eventually growing into managing dozens or properties and hiring friends. Along the way, he experienced both business…
Watch this episode on YouTube ! What if we've been measuring success all wrong? In this episode, Kirsten challenges the traditional definition of success and asks a powerful question: Is success really about how much money we make? As business owners and professionals, it's easy to measure our accomplishments through revenue, sales, income, growth and other financial metrics. But what happens when we expand our definition of success to include the things that make life meaningful - relationships, health, experiences, time, creativity and simply being present. Key Takeaways: Success isn't one…
Watch this episode on YouTube ! What is your business could grow without requiring more of your time, more of your energy, and more of your weekends? In this episode, Kirsten sits down with Abbey Brown of Stone Strategies to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs: learning how to move from being the person who does everything to becoming the leader who builds the systems, team and culture that allow the business to thrive. Abbey knows this journey firsthand. Growing up in a third-generation family business, working in corporate America, and eventually purchasing and…
Watch this episode on YouTube ! What if selling your business didn't mean selling its future? For many entrepreneurs, the traditional exit strategy is to sell to a competitor, private equity or another outside investor. But what if the people who helped build your company could become its owners? In this episode of The Small Business Mindset , I sit down with Michael Brownrigg with Apis & Heritag e and Moriah Dean with Calvert Impac t to umpack the world of employee ownership. We talk about ESOP's, worker-owned cooperatives, employee owned trusts, succession planning, rural communities,…
Watch this episode on YouTube ! Artificial Intelligence isn't here to replace great business owners - it's here to make them better! In this episode of The Small Business Mindset, Kirsten Flory shares a practical approach to using AI to create a better customer experience while keeping the human connection at the center of your business. Instead of fearing automation, learn how to leverage AI to save time, improve communication, build stronger customer relationships, and ultimately increase sales. The businesses that win won't be the ones using the most AI. They'll be the ones using AI to…
Watch this episode on YouTube ! Every entrepreneur has a story, but sometimes the most powerful lessons aren't about business at all. In this deeply personal episode, Kirsten Flory welcomes photographer and entrepreneur Carter Gaskins, owner of Gaskins Photography , to discuss how unimaginable personal tragedy shaped both his life and his business. Carter shares how the heartbreaking loss of his infant son inspired him to pick up a camera, ultimately transforming photography in a way to preserve precious moments for other families. What begins as a conversation about entrepreneurship quickly…
Watch this episode on YouTube ! In this episode, Kirsten Flory sits down with Ryan Rains , Director of Entrepreneurship Programs at the University of Kansas School of Business and a member of the Foundations Commercial Real Estate team, for a thought-provoking discussion about entrepreneurship, side hustles, career development and what success actually looks like. Together, they explore why entrepreneurship has become such a powerful cultural movement, particularly among younger generations seeking greater control over their careers, income, and futures. They discuss the rise of side…
Watch this episode on YouTube ! In this episode, Kirsten Flory dives into the incredible entrepreneurial journey behind Nike through the bestselling memoir Shoe Dog by Phil Knight. Most people see Nike as a global powerhouse, but few realize the company spent nearly 18 years fighting for survival before becoming a household name. Kirsten unpacks the lessons small business owners can learn from Phil Knight's relentless perseverance, willingness to take risks, and ability to stay committed to a vision even while living on the edge of financial ruin. From selling track shoes out of the trunk of…
Watch this episode on YouTube ! In this episode, Kirsten Flory sits down with communication expert and podcast host Chris Miller to break down one of the most overlooked - yet critical - business skills: communication. Chris, host of Talk to Chris Miller and Talk to People Podcast, shares practical insights on how communication impacts leadership, sales, relationships, and everyday interactions. From avoiding common communication mistakes to mastering meaningful conversations, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone looking to level up how…
Watch this episode on YouTube ! In this episode of The Small Business Mindset, Kirsten Flory challenges one of the most common myths in entrepreneurship: that you need money to start a business. Spoiler alert - you don't. What you do need is something far more valuable (and completely free): proof of concept. Kirsten dives into why so many aspiring business owners skip this critical step and how it can make or break your success before you ever spend a dollar. She shared personal insights from building her commercial real estate brokerage, explaining how starting lean - and resisting the…
Watch this episode on YouTube ! In this episode, Kirsten Flory dives into the hard truth that many businesses don't survive - and more importantly, why. While external factors can play a role, most business failures come down to three key areas: cash flow, market demand, and management. The good news? Two of those are fully within your control. Kirsten shares real-world insights on how poor financial decisions, lack of planning, and ignoring market shifts can quietly put your business at risk. She also offers practical strategies to help you stay ahead, maintain control, and build a…
Watch this episode on YouTube While it may seem insigificant, the story of the penny reveals a crucial lesson for business owners. Originally valueable and practical, the penny ultimately became obsolete - costing more to produce than it was worth. Sound familiar? Kirsten draws a direct parallel to what happens in many small businesses: strong sales, growing revenue, and busy operations...but little to no profit. She breaks down why this happens and what to do about it. Key Takeaways: Revenue doesn't always equal profit - just because your sales look strong, doesn't mean your business is…
Watch this episode on YouTube ! As the first quarter of the year wraps up, it's the perfect time to evaluate your business goals. Are you tracking your progress - or simply hoping things work out? In this episode of The Small Business Mindset, Kirsten Flory shares five common habits that can quietly stunt business growth and how small business owners can shift their focus to build momentum instead. Many entrepreneurs fall into patterss that feel productive, but ultimately limit their ability to grow. From failing to understand your top clients to spending too much time on strategy and not…
Watch this episode on YouTube! What does it take to grow a business every single year, even through recession, mistakes and market shifts? In this episode, Kirsten Flory sits down with bestselling author, coach, and founder of The Massimo Group , Rod Santomassimo, to talk about sales, mindset, risk, failure, AI, social media and the real drivers behind sustainable growth. From a painful (and hilarious) marketing typo that launched his coaching business...to doubling and tripling seven-figure incomes...Rod shares the frameworks that separate transactional operators from true business owners.…
Watch this episode on YouTube ! In this reflective episode of The Small Business Mindset, Kirsten Flory shares lessons learned from reaching a milestone birthday - turning 50! Rather than focusing on age as a number, she explores what the next chapter of life, business, and personal growth can look like when guided by curiosity, connection and intention. From redifining success beyond money to the power of meaningful relationships, stepping outside your comfort zone, and experiencing life with childlike wonder, this episode is an invitation to slow down and reflect on what truly matters.…
Watch this episode on YouTube In this episode of The Small Business Mindset, Kirsten Flory sits down with Lance Johnson, Engineer with Bartlett & West Engineering, to unpack what business owners really need to think about before buying, renovating, or building a commercial property. For many entrepreneurs, occupying space is inevitable - but owning the right space can be a power wealth building strategy. The challenge? Most business owners are real estate developers. Lance brings clarity to the process, breaking down the "boring but critical" elements of development that can save business…
Watch this episode on You Tube ! Before you invest time, money, and energy into a new business idea, there's one critical question you must answer: Is it actually viable? In this episode, host Kirsten Flory walks through give simple but powerful tests every entrepreneur should use to validate a startup idea before going all in. Through real-world examples - from product ideas to grocery delivery services - Kirsten shares how asking the right questions early can save you significant time, money, and frustration. Key Takeaways: Why idea validation matters more than passion alone The difference…
Watch this episode on You Tube ! As we kick of 2026, Kirsten Flory challenges small business owners to start the year with clarity - not guesswork. In this episode, she breaks down the most important data points every entrepreneur should be tracking to make smarter decisions, improve profitability, and eliminate what's no longer working. From understanding where you sales really come from, to evaluating clients, marketing spend, staff performance and even product offerings, this episode is a practical roadmap to use data to drive growth. Kirsten also shares real-world examples from her own…
Watch this episode on YouTube As we close out 2025 and step boldly into planning for 2026, Kirsten challenges you with a tough but transformational question: Are you committed to your goals, or merely interested? Most people like the idea of achieving big things - more income, more freedom, more abundance, etc. But liking the idea isn't enough. In this episode, Kirsten digs into the mindset shifts, the stories we tell ourselves, and the fears we cling to that keep us from living the bigger life we imagine. Key Takeaways: The difference between interest and commitment How your backstory…
Watch this episode on YouTube ! In this conversation, Mike Milligan discusses the critical relationship between risk and wealth building, emphasizing that significant risks are necessary for rapid financial growth. He highlights the importance of having a safety net when taking these risks and reflects on the value of time in the context of wealth creation, suggesting that successful individuals would trade their wealth for more time if given the chance. Key Takeaways: If you want to build wealth fast, you have to take huge risks and you have to be willing to fail. Many people who have…
Watch this episode on YouTube ! In this energizing episode, Kirsten dives into the connection between your personal energy and your business success. From sleep and nutrition to boundaries, community, and environment - she shares practical ways to recharge and sustain your energy so you can show up as your best self every day, both at work and at home. Key Takeaways: Energy Drive Success - your personal energy affects every area of your business - decision-making, creativity, relationships, and growth. Treat it as one of your most valuable business assets. Prioritize Restful Sleep Create a…
Watch this episode on YouTube ! Every entrepreneur's journey is unique - and today's story is nothing short of remarkable. I sit down with Jodi Scott, the founder and CEO of Green Goo, a plant-based first aid and skincare company that grew from her family's kitchen to 150,000 stores nationwide. Jodi shared the incredible highs of building and selling her company, the heartbreak of nearly losing everything, and the grit it took to buy it back and rebuild stronger than ever. You'll hear how a simple idea sparked at a farmers market became a multimillion-dollar business, the realities of…
Watch this episode on You Tube HERE ! Are you struggling with sales and wondering why your phone isn't ringing? In this episode, Kirsten Flory dives into the challenges of sales outreach, why prospects may not be responding, and actionable strategies to turn things around. In this episode you'll learn: How to provide real value to prospects instead of just selling The importance of using multiple communication channels (phone, email, social media, handwritten notes, and more) Why consistency is key in outreach and follow-up How sharing success stories can boost your credibility and attract…
Watch this episode on YouTube HERE! Most small business owners don't start out as financial experts - and that's exactly why 8 out of 10 small businesses fail. In this episode, I sit down with Megan Schwan, CEO and founder of Sidekick Accounting Services, to talk about how to set your business up for financial success. Megan has spent over two decades in accounting and has helped thousands of business owners understand their numbers, implement smart tax strategies, and build businesses that last. She's also a certified Profit First Professional, helping entrepreneurs prioritize profitability…
Watch this episode on YouTube! Have you ever created a vision board filled with dreams - but realized you've never actually experienced the things you were visualizing? In this episode, Kirsten Flory shared why it's so important to not just dream about success, but to touch it, feel it, and try it on before it becomes your reality. From painting her kitchen table purple for Feng Shui prosperity, to test-driving luxury cars and walking through multimillion-dollar open houses, Kirsten reveals how small, intentional steps help you bring your goals closer. These experiences shift your mindset…
Join Kirsten Flory, Danielle J. Martin and Anthony Blanco as they delve into the aspect of your character. Watch this episode on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clq3CcJMqVE Key Takeaways: How do you define character for yourself? Do you follow your "gut" when something seems off? Do you want to follow the "in" crowd, even if it doesn't match your character? The Entrepreneurs Edge founders have come together as a way to provide you with expert guidance on branding, business coaching, and wealth building. Having a strong foundation on who you are, and what kind of character you…
Join Kirsten Flory, Anthony Blanco and Danielle J. Martin as the trio behind The Entrepreneurs Edge! Our conversation today centers around how to be resilient. Whatever the economy, our home life or careers are doing, having the ability to focus on opportunity is key to your success. These three professionals share how they overcame plenty of obstacles, and created wealth, business and branding success. UPCOMING LIVE EVENT! Join us in Late October, 2025 for our first LIVE event in Topeka, KS! Follow us @Theeedge for additional details!
In this conversation, Kirsten Flory discusses the critical importance of not only earning money, but also keeping it. She emphasizes the need for careful financial planning, especially when receiving unexpected windfalls. She advised against impulsive spending on depreciating assets, and encourages listeners to live below their means to build sustainable wealth. Kirsten highlights the dangers of not planning for future financial stability and the importance of consistent effort in maintaining business momentum. Key Takeaways: How do you keep the money once you've earned it? Don't go out and…
Listen in for a special presentation of The Small Business Mindset. Kirsten Flory's firm, Foundations Commercial , held a Small Business Lending Insights event with lending experts and clients. They shared the different types of small business lending programs, and how you as a business owner, can apply! To watch the full presentation on You Tube click the link HERE Key Takeaways: At some point in your business cycle, you will need a loan SBA lending is available for owner-occupied businesses Building a relationship with your lender is crucial Get organized financially before applying for a…
In this conversation, Kirsten Flory discusses the concept of unconscious bias in business, emphasizing how it affects entrepreneurs and their interactions with investors and partners. She shares personal experiences and practical advice on overcoming biases through preparation, hard work, and building relationships. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding one's own biases and those of others to create successful business outcomes. Key takeaways: Unconscious bias can affect how we perceive business ideas Preparation and presentatino are crucial to business interactions…
About The Small Business Mindset
The Small Business Mindset Podcast is a real life, in the trenches conversation about how you can make your small business run successfully. Host Kirsten Flory, Founder and CEO of Foundations Commercial Real Estate, shares her journey on how she created a successful small businesses, and how she ha
The Small Business Mindset is a English business podcast from Kirsten Flory. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.
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