The Mesa Business Builder’s Podcast

Episode 18: Understanding the 5 C’s of Credit: What Every Small Business Owner Should Know

Access to capital is essential for small business growth—but how do banks decide who gets a loan? In this episode of the Mesa Business Builder Podcast, host Kelly Keffer speaks with David Scott, Arizona Market President of First Western Bank, about the “5 C’s of Credit”: Character, Capacity, Capital, Collateral, and Conditions. Whether you’re applying for a loan or building a banking relationship, this episode offers practical insights to help you prepare, grow, and thrive in today’s economy.

Episode 17: Business Law Simplified: What Every Entrepreneur Should Know

Navigating the legal side of your business doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this episode of the Mesa Business Builder podcast, host Kelly Keffer sits down with business attorney Timothy Coons from Council Legal Firm to simplify business law for entrepreneurs. From choosing the right business structure and protecting your personal assets to understanding tax options and staying compliant, Tim breaks down the essentials you need to confidently grow your business. If you’re a small business owner looking for straightforward legal advice that actually makes sense, this episode is for you.

Episode 16: Why Your Banker Should Be Part of Your Business Strategy

In this episode of the Mesa Business Builder Podcast, host Kelly Kepher sits down with David Scott, Arizona Market President at First Western Bank—also known as the "Bearded Wizard of Finance." David shares why building a relationship with your banker is critical to small business success. From proactive planning and access to capital, to navigating strategic growth with a trusted advisor, this episode explores the deeper “why” behind strong financial partnerships and how they support long-term economic development in Mesa. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, hear real-world insights on how the right banking relationship can unlock your business's next big opportunity.

Episode 15: Practical Tech That Helps Businesses Grow

In this episode of the Mesa Business Builder Podcast, Kelley Keffer, Project Manager with the City of Mesa Office of Economic Development, sits down with Peter Costa—CEO and co-founder of Baltu Technologies. Peter shares how his early exposure to tech shaped his journey from video games to founding a company that connects education, business, and community through immersive technologies. Together, they discuss how small businesses can think strategically about using tools like virtual and augmented reality, how to evaluate tech against real-world needs and budgets, and why trust and transparency matter more than hype. Whether you're tech-savvy or tech-curious, this episode offers down-to-earth insights into innovation that serves a purpose.

Episode 14: Breaking the Bubble: Tackling Entrepreneurial Loneliness

In this Know Before You Grow session, we sit down with Carrie Sakket, a solopreneur and certified loneliness coach, to talk about one of the most unspoken challenges of entrepreneurship—loneliness. Whether you're launching your first venture or scaling solo, Carrie shares practical ways to stay connected, build community, and avoid isolation while growing your business.