"I can't believe this product doesn't exist."  That thought, or some variation of it, is the origin point for many entrepreneurial journeys.   While most entrepreneur stories may begin that way, the endings vary greatly, from the licensing of an invention to the sale of a company, to an unfortunate flop. It was this question that Mark Kuhn asked himself as a college intern that led to the founding of the quirky, creative engineering firm. From that initial “hey we could build that" moment, Kuhn set out to assemble his core team of partners that were willing to give entrepreneurship a go. The twists and turns in Oat Foundry’s road have led to the establishment of a thriving small business. “We build cool stuff” is their motto....and, well, they do!     Are you connected with Extra/Ordinary Small Business?   Instagram: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Facebook: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Online: extraordinarysmallbusiness.com 

Extra/Ordinary Small Business

Oat Foundry: Mark Kuhn

Have you ever attended a sporting event where one lucky spectator has the chance to win a car if he or she could bank a half-court shot? Have you ever gone to a charity event where you could win $25,000 if you sink a hole in one?  What you may not realize is adding this type of contest to an event isn’t as risky as it sounds.  All it takes is a special type of event insurance.  That’s the basis of what Interactive Promotions Group (and its flagship US Hole in One) does.     This story is a unique one in many ways - it technically operates as a traditional brick and mortar, but most of its business is brought in via the internet.  This business is also the type of business, based on its very impressive performance, that typically attracts investors, capital, and even buyout offers.  What is so refreshing to me about Greg Esterhai’s story is that, while all of that has been available to them, they choose to continue to wholly own and operate the business. We learned a lot about niche operations, business partnership and having conviction and vision that helps you achieve your goals.     Are you connected with Extra/Ordinary Small Business?   Instagram: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Facebook: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Online: extraordinarysmallbusiness.com 

US Hole in One: Greg Esterhai

If you mention the name Valerie Weber or Dermagrafix in permanent cosmetic circles, you may get a look of recognition or admiration.  Valerie Weber is an international name in her industry, a talented artist and a savvy business owner. When you meet Val or browse her social media, you will encounter a poised, professional and successful artist-meets-mogul who seems effortless in her delivery. But the truth is, Weber achieved those things through a lot of hard work and determination.   Having made the choice to strike it out of her own while settling into a new life as a single mother, Valerie shares her outlook on what it takes to get to where you want to go in your career and in your life.  Valerie kept a hold of her vision and ambition to make a business and a better life for herself and her son. Today, she is a mother of two sons, a wife to a loving and supportive husband, and an all-around boss.     Are you connected with Extra/Ordinary Small Business?   Instagram: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Facebook: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Online: extraordinarysmallbusiness.com 

Dermagrafix: Valerie Weber

Insurance.  We all need it…. Few understand it.  Do I have enough?  Is every circumstance covered?  Am I going to end up one of those horror stories where I was underinsured in a crisis?  For most busy people, there simply isn’t enough time to do the hours of research it takes to become intimately versed on insurance needs.  Most of us would see the value in buying our insurance from someone we know and trust.  That is how Steve Gannon has built his business.  In an industry that took to the internet ahead of many industries, Steve has placed emphasis on customer service and quality.  We sat down with Steve to hear his story, from his entry into the industry from college to his startup years, to growing his employee base and becoming an award-winning firm.  This isn’t a story about insurance so much as it is a story about building a business that has a strong foundation.   Are you connected with Extra/Ordinary Small Business?   Instagram: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Facebook: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Online: extraordinarysmallbusiness.com 

Gannon Insurance Agency: Steve Gannon

Guests today on the Extra/Ordinary Small Business Podcast: Zanya Gissler and Filomena Cook, the dynamic duo behind Zanya Spa Salon. This extraordinary small business is headed by 2 yin and yang business partners whose talents complement each other to form a killer business combination.  Zanya Gissler, the beauty industry veteran, Filomena Cook, the savvy businesswoman.  We learned a lot about what it means to run a small business with a large staff, how to overcome setbacks and how to succeed in a business partnership.   Are you connected with Extra/Ordinary Small Business?   Instagram: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Facebook: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Online: extraordinarysmallbusiness.com 

Zanya Spa Salon: Zanya Gissler & Filomena Cook

A long-time artist and graphic designer, John Fezzuoglio decided later on in life that he needed to make a change for the sweeter. Influenced by his childhood memories of authentic homemade food in Brooklyn New York, John decided to combine his love for food with his artisan skill. The result? In less than 10 years, Owowcow has become a runaway hit. We visited John in his Lambertville, New Jersey ice cream shop to dive deeper on how he became an extraordinary small business. Was it a killer social media strategy? Was it clever marketing? This story is one about a relentless focus on authenticity and crafting the best product possible.   Are you connected with Extra/Ordinary Small Business?   Instagram: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Facebook: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Online: extraordinarysmallbusiness.com 

Owowcow Creamery: John Fezzuoglio

In this episode, how Mary Dougherty turned her natural business savvy and hunger for success to into profitable small businesses in the fashion space, first as a successful retail wholesaler, and later the owner and operator of Nicole Miller Philadelphia.    The name Nicole Miller may be familiar to you.  As the “queen of the little black dress,” this fashion label has been loved and worn across the globe since 1982.  Perhaps a lesser known fact about the company is that it works with a network of independently owned boutiques to sell its merchandise.  Having made a name for herself in the male-dominated industry of wholesale fashion, Mary Dougherty was recruited by designer Nicole Miller to become a retailer.    Mary’s unique experience and perspective were her secret weapons, allowing her to make shrewd decisions that earned her the credit of becoming an “overnight success”. Mary sat down with us to recount her story and share with us how she became a top independent retailer in the city of Philadelphia.   Are you connected with Extra/Ordinary Small Business?   Instagram: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Facebook: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Online: extraordinarysmallbusiness.com 

Nicole Miller Philadelphia: Mary Dougherty

Coffee roaster David Waldman of Rojo’s Roastery joins us for a truly memorable conversation about what it takes to brew the best cup and make money doing it.  Once a red-haired touring musician, David’s nonlinear life is what has shaped him, and has shaped the truly unique culture of his company.  Learn the merits of delivering the highest quality product to the customer and the dividends that it pays.  David’s diverse background makes him the quintessential Renaissance man.  From professional musician to corporate attorney, to coffee roaster, David’s career has taken many twists and turns.  What’s so fascinating about Rojo’s Roastery is the fanatical group of regular clientele it has cultivated. We met up after a roasting shift at his Lambertville New Jersey cafe and we talked about everything from roasting in his basement to farming alongside the coffee growers in Ethiopia.   His mantra is “I’m either all in or I don’t waste my time” - and he isn’t kidding.   Are you connected with Extra/Ordinary Small Business?   Instagram: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Facebook: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Online: extraordinarysmallbusiness.com 

Rojo's Roastery: David Waldman

The U.S. fitness industry generates more than 30 billion dollars per year. There are nearly 40,000 health clubs nationwide. But believe it or not, the health club industry is fairly new... just about 4 decades old. Jim Worthington got in at the ground level, at age 24, when clubs hosted more racquetball than actual fitness programming. Fast forward to today, Worthington owns one of the most well-respected and cutting-edge health clubs in the industry, the Newtown Athletic Club. Today the NAC boasts over 12,000 members, but it was a long road to that level of success. Jim shares some of the important lessons that he’s learned over his 40-year career. Are you connected with Extra/Ordinary Small Business?   Instagram: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Facebook: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Online: extraordinarysmallbusiness.com 

Newtown Athletic Club: Jim Worthington

What does it take to grow a local real estate company to over 400 agents from scratch?  Robin Mancuso DeLuna, co-owner of Coldwell Banker Hearthside, shares the magic formula with us.  Robin, along with her co-owner and brother Jamie Mancuso, is second generation small business owners.  Learn how the duo overcame a host of challenges:  learning the business from the ground up, earning the respect of agents and employees, and evolving the business at a time of major change and unrest.   Are you connected with Extra/Ordinary Small Business?   Instagram: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Facebook: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Online: extraordinarysmallbusiness.com 

Coldwell Banker Hearthside: Robin Mancuso DeLuna

A modern American pub and restaurant, Steam Pub serves hundreds of locals each week and employs over 70 staff.  The restaurant, created by 4 friends, has become a trusted neighborhood favorite.  But it took a LOT of blood, sweat and tears to get there.  Martin Hoeger, co-owner of Steam Pub, co-owner, recounts the story of how he got into the restaurant business, what gave him the idea to start his own restaurant, how he took on the momentous task of building and financing a restaurant, and how he makes Steam Pub a place where people want to work.   Are you connected with Extra/Ordinary Small Business?   Instagram: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Facebook: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Online: extraordinarysmallbusiness.com 

Steam Pub: Martin Hoeger

Are you a small business owner? This podcast is for you. Welcome to the Extra/Ordinary Podcast, where together we'll discover extraordinary local businesses and the stories behind them. Pop culture has become obsessed with the entrepreneurship stories of Silicon Valley, glorifying enormous investments rounds and worshipping venture capitalists. But the backbone of our economy is made up of small, local businesses. Their stories might not include an IPO or exit strategy. They may never become a billion-dollar business. But each and every day, millions of small business owners wake up in the morning to deliver a quality product or service, support the local economy, employ their neighbors and follow their passion. We think their stories are worth telling. Join host Angela Giovine as she connects with local business owners who excel at what they do so that you can hear their Extra/Ordinary story.   Are you connected with Extra/Ordinary Small Business?   Instagram: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Facebook: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Online: extraordinarysmallbusiness.com 

Extra/Ordinary Small Business - Trailer

Are you a small business owner? This podcast is for you. Welcome to the Extra/Ordinary Podcast, where together we'll discover extraordinary small businesses and the stories behind them. Pop culture has become obsessed with the entrepreneurship stories of Silicon Valley, glorifying enormous investment rounds and worshipping venture capitalists. But the backbone of our economy is made up of small businesses. Their stories might not include an IPO or exit strategy. They may never become a billion-dollar business. But each and every day, millions of small business owners wake up in the morning to deliver a quality product or service, support the local economy, employ their neighbors and follow their passion. We think their stories are worth telling. Join host Angela Giovine as she connects with local business owners who excel at what they do so that you can hear their Extra/Ordinary story. Are you connected with Extra/Ordinary Small Business? Instagram: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Facebook: @extraordinarysmallbusiness Online: extraordinarysmallbusiness.com 

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Extra/Ordinary Small Business

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