Carter Krei, ActionCOACH

Carter Krei, ActionCOACH

This week on Inside Business, Travis Filing and Gary Tharnish sit down with Carter Krei, certified business coach with ActionCOACH, to explore what separates businesses that consistently grow from those that simply stay busy. Carter shares the common patterns he sees while coaching business owners across a variety of industries and explains why so many entrepreneurs become trapped working in their business instead of on it. The conversation dives into goal setting, accountability, leadership, delegation, and the systems that allow a company to scale without relying on the owner for every decision. Travis, Gary, and Carter also discuss the mindset shifts required to move from being a technician to becoming a true business leader. From improving team performance and creating a stronger company culture to developing measurable strategies for growth, Carter offers practical advice that business owners can begin applying immediately. Whether you're just starting your entrepreneurial journey or leading an established company looking for its next stage of growth, this episode is packed with actionable insights on building a business that works for you—not because of you.

Anthony Dudas, Lincoln Airport

This week on Inside Business, Travis Filing and Gary Tharnish sit down with Anthony Dudas to discuss stepping into a leadership role at one of Nebraska's most important transportation hubs. After taking over as Executive Director of the Lincoln Airport, Anthony shares what it's like to inherit an organization with a strong foundation while bringing his own vision for the future. The conversation explores the challenges of leading a complex operation, building trust with employees and stakeholders, and balancing day-to-day responsibilities with long-term strategic growth. Travis and Gary also dive into the business side of airports—how communities compete for commercial air service, the economic impact airports have on regional growth, and the partnerships required to attract new opportunities. Anthony explains why airports are much more than places where planes take off and land—they're major drivers of business development, logistics, manufacturing, and economic investment. The discussion also covers leadership transitions, learning a new organization, and the importance of listening before leading. Anthony shares his perspective on what's ahead for Lincoln Airport and the opportunities he sees for the future. Whether you're interested in leadership, economic development, aviation, or what it takes to guide a large organization through change, this episode offers an engaging look at the business behind one of the region's most vital assets.

Amy Jurgens, Southeast Community College Center for Entrepreneurship

This week on Inside Business, Travis Filing and Gary Tharnish sit down with Amy Jurgens, Director of Entrepreneurship at Southeast Community College Center for Entrepreneurship, to discuss what it really takes to turn an idea into a successful business. Drawing from her experience working with entrepreneurs at every stage of the business lifecycle, Amy shares insights into the challenges new business owners face, the common mistakes that derail promising ventures, and the resources available to help entrepreneurs gain traction and grow. The conversation explores the importance of business planning, mentorship, networking, and developing the skills necessary to move from concept to execution. Travis, Gary, and Amy also discuss Nebraska's entrepreneurial ecosystem, the role education plays in fostering innovation, and why entrepreneurship is a viable path for people from a wide variety of backgrounds. Amy offers practical advice for aspiring business owners, students, and professionals considering launching a venture of their own. The discussion goes beyond startups and into the mindset of entrepreneurship itself—covering problem-solving, resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to take calculated risks in pursuit of opportunity. Whether you're thinking about starting a business, growing an existing company, or simply interested in the entrepreneurial journey, this episode provides valuable insights from someone dedicated to helping the next generation of business owners succeed.

Pat Miller, The Leadership Coach

This week on Inside Business, Travis Filing and Gary Tharnish welcome leadership expert, author, and business coach Pat Miller for a conversation about leadership in a rapidly changing business world. Pat shares practical insights on how business owners and leaders can embrace artificial intelligence without losing the human skills that make organizations successful. Rather than focusing on technology for technology’s sake, the discussion centers on how AI can help leaders become more effective, make better decisions, and create more time to focus on the areas where they provide the greatest value. The conversation also explores one of Pat’s core leadership philosophies: most leaders are delegating the wrong things. Pat explains why delegating tasks often creates frustration, while delegating outcomes creates ownership, accountability, and better results. He shares practical examples that business owners can immediately apply within their own organizations. Travis, Gary, and Pat also discuss leadership development, adapting to change, building stronger teams, and why continuous learning has become a necessity rather than a luxury in today's business environment. Whether you're leading a company, managing a team, or preparing for the next phase of growth, this episode is packed with actionable leadership lessons designed to help you work smarter, lead more effectively, and stay ahead of the curve.

Jeff Dostal, High Performing Sales

This week on Inside Business, Travis Filing and Gary Tharnish sit down with sales professional Jeff Dostal for a conversation about one of the most misunderstood—and most important—functions in any business: sales. Jeff brings decades of real-world sales experience to the discussion as he shares lessons learned from building relationships, earning trust, and helping businesses grow through effective selling. The conversation challenges many of the stereotypes surrounding sales and explores why the best salespeople are often problem solvers, listeners, and trusted advisors rather than high-pressure closers. Travis, Gary, and Jeff dive into what separates top performers from average salespeople, how business owners can build stronger sales cultures, and why so many organizations struggle with sales despite having great products or services. They also discuss prospecting, handling rejection, building long-term relationships, and the habits that consistently lead to success. The discussion goes beyond tactics and into mindset, discipline, and personal development—offering valuable insights for business owners, managers, sales professionals, and anyone responsible for driving revenue. Whether you're leading a sales team, growing a business, or looking to sharpen your own selling skills, this episode is packed with practical advice from someone who has spent a career helping businesses succeed through the power of relationships and effective communication.