Ep 95 - Benjie Burris & Callie Johnson | Boobs, Business & Building Culture That Lasts
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In this crossover episode, Mike Allen teams up with Tonnika Haynes from Downshift with Tonnika [https://open.spotify.com/show/2UJkjPlvHTGXmQHSajZvse] to give you a preview of the upcoming ASTA Expo in Raleigh, NC this September. ASTA Board Member and shop owner Benjie Burris joins alongside his daughter, Callie Johnson, ASTA’s new Membership & Events Manager, to talk about what makes the Expo special and how building a strong shop culture can create lasting success both inside and outside the business.
The conversation dives into the power of showing up for your local community, building authentic relationships, and why giving back has played a major role in long-term growth. They also share first-hand ASTA Expo experiences, what makes the event different, and why the connections made there can impact both your business and your life.
Oh, and you'll also hear the story of how Benjie met his wife. Let’s just say it’s one of those stories you definitely won’t see coming.
Learn more about the ASTA Expo and how you can be there HERE [https://astausa.org/pages/asta-expo]
Timestamps:
00:00 The funniest icebreaker ever (yes, fake boobs are involved)
00:53 Live from Fueling Connections 2026 – ASTA at UTI Mooresville
02:22 Audio chaos: Why your own tools matter (and how NOT to record a podcast)
04:10 The rise of Downshift and the weirdness of being told “I listen to your podcast!”
05:03 Social media hacks: Engagement, trolls, and managing the comment chaos
09:19 A blueprint for a family-run business culture that actually works
10:29 Turning community support into real shop growth (and why service matters)
13:42 Small steps, big progress: Building a shop “patch by patch”1
4:42 The real reason community work succeeds (hint: It can’t be faked)
18:25 Real talk on supporting schools, teachers, and being boots-on-the-ground
22:22 Dealing with “big city” demands and setting shop boundaries
23:46 ASTA’s new Membership & Events Manager shares social media tips
26:53 The ASTA Expo: Networking, parties, and the least clicky vibe in the industry
28:29 Conversations that change careers—and lives
30:46 Competitors or community? Why ASTA shops help each other
32:07 Going from local to international—how ASTA keeps its family feel
36:04 Must-attend classes, what’s next for ASTA, and seriously, don’t miss the hospitality suite
39:29 Why Downshift is different: Focusing on legacy, mindset, and leveling up
