Small Business Origins
Small Business Origins

Small Business Origins

Beefy Marketing/Small Business Origins

Overview
Episodes

Details

Small Business Origins is an engaging podcast series that delves deep into the heart of American entrepreneurship. Every week, our host, John the Marketer, provides an intimate look into the journeys of entrepreneurs and small businesses across the nation, giving listeners a taste of the hard work, passion, and resilience behind every successful enterprise. Our content ranges from stories of quaint 'mom and pop' shops to those of thriving million-dollar companies, highlighting the diverse spectrum of business landscapes in America. Each episode explores the 'why' behind what these businesses do, uncovering their origins, challenges, triumphs, and the dreams that fuel them. It's not just about business; it's about the human spirit that dares to dream and turn those dreams into reality. The theme of the podcast is to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship, to inspire through real-life examples of grit and determination, and to showcase the stories that often go untold, but form the backbone of American economy. **The views expressed here are solely representative of those stating their opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of John Kelley or Beefy Marketing. Small Business Origins invites guests to speak of their experience and offer personal opinions on a range of topics, none of which is censored or scripted. Nothing expressed in any episode should be taken as advice for any subject including financial decisions, medical decisions, or life choices. Please consult an appropriate expert if you have questions regarding any topic discussed on the show.**

Recent Episodes

Building a Winning Sales Team: Key Strategies Revealed featuring Walter Crosby with Helix Sales Development
OCT 23, 2025
Building a Winning Sales Team: Key Strategies Revealed featuring Walter Crosby with Helix Sales Development

Episode Overview

In this episode of Small Business Origins, host John Kelley welcomes sales expert Walter Crosby from the Sales and Cigars Podcast and Helix Sales Development. Walter dives deep into the world of sales strategies, the intricate dynamics of sales teams, and the essential mindset needed to thrive in business. They share insights on the importance of culture, leadership, and personal development in driving sales success.

Main Topics Discussed

  • The connection between personal experiences and professional success.
  • The significance of sales skills and mindset for entrepreneurs.
  • Strategies for establishing a productive work environment and cultivating team culture.
  • Identifying the real issues within a sales process rather than jumping to solutions.
  • The importance of setting realistic expectations and understanding client needs.

Key Insights

  • “Experience is the name I give to my mistakes.” - Walter emphasizes how learning from failure shapes future success.
  • Work-Life Balance: Both John and Walter discuss the necessity for time freedom and how it directly impacts personal life and professional satisfaction.
  • Sales Dynamics: Walter discusses how mediocrity within teams can hinder overall performance and the importance of having the right people in place to drive success.
  • Custom Solutions: Instead of offering generic training, Walter focuses on identifying specific problems to create tailored solutions for clients.

Notable Quotes

  • Walter Crosby: "You need to be the salesperson that that prospect needs you to be."
  • John Kelley: "If you enjoy what you do, truly enjoy it. If it fulfills you and brings you joy inside, then you're not working."
  • Walter Crosby: “Mediocrity kills performance across the board.”

Timestamps

  • 00:00 - Intro Music and Introduction
  • 00:32 - John Kelley introduces Walter Crosby
  • 02:18 - Icebreaker question about unlimited vacation
  • 10:40 - Discussion on work-life balance
  • 19:40 - Walter shares his entrepreneurial origin story
  • 32:06 - Strategies for successful sales leadership
  • 46:43 - Importance of aligning values and expectations in business
  • 55:01 - Insights on personal branding and sales strategy

Relevant Links & Resources


Other Links:

John The Marketer

Sponsor (Wingman)

Beefy Marketing (Start Your Own Podcast)

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Small Business Origins and leave us a review! Share this episode with fellow entrepreneurs and engage with us on social media. Join us next week for more inspiring stories from business leaders about their unique journeys. Stay beefy, my friends!

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83 MIN
Community Creators: How Developers Shape Our Cities and Neighborhoods featuring Jason Hassenstab with Elevated Development
OCT 17, 2025
Community Creators: How Developers Shape Our Cities and Neighborhoods featuring Jason Hassenstab with Elevated Development

Overview

In this episode of the Small Business Origins podcast, host John Kelley interviews Jason Hassenstab, the founder of Elevated Development. The conversation dives deep into Jason's personal journey, his entrepreneurial spirit, and the development process of real estate in the growing Tomball area. Listeners gain insights into construction, real estate investment, and building community, making it a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and those interested in real estate development.

Key Topics Discussed

  • Background Stories: Jason reflects on his childhood experiences in the construction business, influenced by his family's legacy.
  • Career Path: His journey from working as an intern at Kiewit to establishing Elevated Development in Texas.
  • Development Strategies: Discussion of land opportunities, types of projects undertaken, and the dynamics of working with home builders.
  • Community Building: The importance of contributing to the local community and embracing new families in Tomball.
  • Investment Opportunities: Insight into creative structures that benefit landowners and developers alike.

Key Insights


  • Networking is Key: Jason emphasizes the importance of building relationships within the community to find opportunities and collaborate on projects.
  • Long-Term Vision: Development is a long-term investment that requires patience and strategic planning, often taking years to bear fruit.
  • Flexibility in Structures: There are various ways to partner with landowners and investors that allow for creativity and shared successes.

Notable Quotes


  • “Participating in the community's growth is essential to ensuring its prosperity.” - Jason Hassenstab
  • “When you think of developers, you might think about the transactions, but at the heart of it is a passion for building something meaningful.” - Jason Hassenstab
  • “You don’t have to have a million dollars; having the right network can open doors to investment opportunities.”- Jason Hassenstab

Timestamps for Significant Segments


  • [00:00:00] - Intro and Welcome
  • [00:01:10] - Icebreaker: If you weren’t doing this, what would you be known for?
  • [00:05:04] - Jason’s Background and Early Influences
  • [00:12:14] - Transition to Elevated Development
  • [00:19:24] - Discussion on Development Strategies
  • [00:28:07] - The Importance of Community and Family
  • [00:37:44] - Networking and Investment Opportunities
  • [00:58:00] - Closing Thoughts and Advice

Relevant Resources and Links


Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe to the Small Business Origins podcast for more inspiring stories and insights from entrepreneurs. Leave us a review and share with your friends to help spread the word! Join the conversation and connect with us on social media for updates and additional content!

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63 MIN
Tomball EDC Success Stories: The Legacy of Entrepreneurship featuring Teresa Hutson Latsis and Bryan Hutson with The Hutson Group
MAY 12, 2025
Tomball EDC Success Stories: The Legacy of Entrepreneurship featuring Teresa Hutson Latsis and Bryan Hutson with The Hutson Group

In this episode of the Small Business Origins podcast, host John The Marketer welcomes Teresa and Bryan from The Hutson Group, a prominent development and property management company based in Tomball, Texas. Another feature of the Tomball Economic Development Corporation, they share their family's journey into real estate, the importance of preserving the town's historical charm, and their commitment to supporting local businesses. The conversation dives into family legacy, community impact, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives their work in Old Town Tomball.

Topics:


  • The origin story of The Hutson Group and their path into real estate (0:00 - 10:00)
  • Balancing commercial development with preservation of local history (10:00 - 30:00)
  • Building community through strategic business partnerships and grant opportunities with local economic development corporations (30:00 - 45:00)
  • Focus on local businesses and the importance of a well-planned and cohesive commercial environment (45:00 - 1:05:00)
  • Personal anecdotes and stories about transforming historic buildings (1:05:00 - 1:20:00)
  • The role of family and collaboration in business success (1:20:00 - 1:35:00)


Key Insights:


  • The Hutson family's focus is not just on profit but on building a vibrant community and supporting small local businesses (0:00 - 10:00).
  • A strong partnership with the Tomball Economic Development Corporation plays a crucial role in facilitating local development and helping businesses thrive (30:00 - 45:00).
  • The intention behind leasing spaces is to foster businesses that contribute positively to the community, rather than just filling vacancies (45:00 - 1:05:00).
  • Personal stories shared by Teresa and Bryan highlight the importance of legacy, creativity in business, and preserving history within Tomball (1:05:00 - 1:20:00).


Notable Quotes:


  • "We're going to keep doing this as long as we're still having fun." – Bryan on maintaining passion in business (1:37:51).
  • "We want to choose a business for a particular building or area that will gel with the businesses around it." – Teresa discussing tenant selection and community cohesion (1:27:48).


Timestamps:


  • Intro and Icebreaker: 0:00 - 5:00
  • Hudson Group Overview: 5:00 - 10:00
  • Impact of EDC on Community Development: 30:00 - 45:00
  • Personal Anecdotes about Property Transformations: 1:05:00 - 1:20:00
  • Importance of Family in Business: 1:20:00 - 1:35:00
  • Final Thoughts and Takeaways: 1:35:00 - 1:40:00


Relevant Resources:



P.S.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the Small Business Origins podcast, leave us a review, and share it with your friends! Follow us on social media for more updates and join the conversation about the rich entrepreneurial stories coming out of your community! Want to be on the show? Visit Small Business Origins online and register as a guest!

Small Business Origins is recorded and produced by Beefy Marketing

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100 MIN
Shaping a City's Future: Tomball EDC Commercial Development Success Stories feat. Matt Lawrence with Lone Star Development
MAY 5, 2025
Shaping a City's Future: Tomball EDC Commercial Development Success Stories feat. Matt Lawrence with Lone Star Development

In this engaging episode of Small Business Origins, host John The Marketer sits down with Matt Lawrence, founder of Lone Star Development, to explore the journey of building a family-owned real estate development company deeply rooted in community values. From growing up in a small Texas town surrounded by entrepreneurship to managing multi-million-dollar development projects in Tomball, Matt shares insights on balancing work, family, and business growth. Discover how Lone Star Development transforms properties with a people-first approach and works hand-in-hand with the Tomball Economic Development Corporation to foster local business success.

Key Topics Discussed:


- The evolution of their definition of success: from flashy dreams to focusing on integrity, family, and community respect (00:02:14)

- Matt's entrepreneurial roots growing up in a family car wash business, including his international experience managing a major car wash in Germany (00:17:12)

- Transitioning from family legacy to founding Lone Star Development, rebranding from a “mom and pop” model to a full-service development company (00:22:27)

- Challenges and rewards of managing construction, leasing, and property management within development (00:24:59)

- Importance of community engagement and creating developments that reflect neighborhood needs—not just quick profit (00:48:44)

- The vital partnership with the Tomball Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to secure grants, support, and tenant connections (01:10:05)

- Overview of Lone Star’s projects including the Hufsmith-Kohrville Business Park in Tomball and the upcoming Theis/Cherry development (01:02:27 and 01:31:40)

- How Lone Star Development supports small business tenants—from fledgling startups to expanding operations—offering flexible leasing and hands-on support (00:56:19)

- The future direction of development in Tomball, balancing city infrastructure, community growth, and thoughtful planning (01:17:35)


Notable Quotes & Moments:


- “Success, to me, is holding true to your promise—being a man of integrity and being respected by your community.” (00:02:35) - Matt Lawrence

- “We really see all of our tenants as partners. If they're successful, we’re successful.” (01:01:00) - Matt Lawrence

- “If you build something and the community doesn’t like it, it’s pretty much not going to be successful.” (00:49:50) - Matt Lawrence

- “The Tomball EDC has been 10 out of 10 to work with. They’re really there to help local businesses grow.” (01:10:05) - Matt Lawrence

- “We’re focused on building a brand and a community, not just structures.” (00:22:41) - Matt Lawrence


Episode Timestamps:


- 00:00 – Introduction & Icebreaker on defining success

- 00:17 – Matt’s origin story and family background in business

- 00:22 – Founding Lone Star Development and vision for growth

- 00:24 – Daily realities of construction and property management

- 00:48 – Community engagement and tenant relationships

- 01:00 – Collaborations with Tomball Economic Development Corporation

- 01:02 – Highlighting key development projects in Tomball and Kemah Texas

- 01:14 – Importance of city infrastructure and balanced development planning

- 01:31 – Future developments and investor partnerships

- 01:37 – Closing remarks and final thoughts


Relevant Links & Resources:


- Lone Star Development Website: lonestardevelopment.com

- Tomball Economic Development Corporation (EDC): Explore Tomball EDC

- Sponsor: Wingman – Streamline your marketing and sales workflow

If you enjoyed this deep dive into Lone Star Development's community-driven approach, please subscribe to Small Business Origins for more inspiring entrepreneur stories. Leave us a review and share this episode with friends and fellow business enthusiasts. Connect with John Kelley and Lone Star Development through their website to learn about leasing opportunities or future investments. Also, don’t forget to follow us on social media to stay updated with new episodes and behind-the-scenes content!

Thank you for tuning in to another episode of Small Business Origins. Stay Beefy, my friends!

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98 MIN
Mastering Your Minutes feat. Alexis Haselberger: Time Management and Productivity Coach
SEP 9, 2024
Mastering Your Minutes feat. Alexis Haselberger: Time Management and Productivity Coach

This episode of the Small Business Origins podcast features guest Alexis Haselberger, a time management and productivity coach from San Francisco. She shares her personal journey into entrepreneurship and coaching, as well as advice for improving efficiency, prioritization, planning, focus, and more. You'll hear all about how she got started, and how she can help you.

Main discussion points:

- Alexis' transition from working at startups to starting her own business

- Common time management myths and mistakes

- Strategies for productivity, planning, prioritization

- Building sustainable habits

- Managing distractions and notifications


Guest Bio:

Alexis Haselberger is a time management and productivity coach who helps people do more and stress less through coaching, workshops and online courses.  Her pragmatic, yet fun, approach helps people easily integrate practical, realistic strategies into their lives so that they can do more of what they want and less of what they don't.  Alexis has taught thousands of individuals to take control of their time and her clients include Google, Lyft, Workday, Capital One, Upwork and more.


Key Quotes:

"I had worked in startups and I was familiar with entrepreneurship...I just didn't think about it for me." (00:05:47)


"There are a number of different traits, tendencies, scales where they have something to do with how we get things done. And knowing about ourselves helps us to build sustainable strategies." (00:20:39)


"I teach science backed habit strategies that help us with that...we also talk about strategies and teach people strategies so that they can sort of create focus out of thin air when you need to because sometimes you need to." (00:28:32, 00:29:47)


Links Mentioned:

Guest Website

Guest Instagram

Guest Facebook

Guest YouTube

Guest LinkedIn

Beefy Marketing

Trust Your Wingman (Sponsor)

John Kelley's Links

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42 MIN