Simply Business Podcast

E106 - How Lauren Brown Built a Business by Adapting, Reinventing, and Refusing to Quit

In this episode of Simply Business, we sit down with Lauren Brown, co-owner of Mishalis Events, to talk about what it really looks like to build and sustain a business over time. What started as a retail food and wine store evolved — through necessity, market shifts, and major disruptions like 9/11 and COVID — into one of Kentucky’s only full-service event production companies. Lauren shares how her family adapted at every stage, why reinvention has been critical to survival, and how they used one of the toughest periods in their industry to launch an entirely new business line. This is a conversation about resilience, creativity, and the reality that most successful businesses don’t follow the plan — they evolve into it. 👉 If you’re navigating change or uncertainty in your business, this episode will challenge how you think about growth and adaptation.

e105 - How Vas Abramov Builds Businesses by Eliminating Complexity, Not Adding to It

In this episode of Simply Business, we sit down with Vas Abramov, President of Occam Design, to talk about a principle that’s often overlooked in business — simplicity. Vas shares how his approach to business and design is rooted in cutting through complexity and focusing on what actually works. Rather than overbuilding or overthinking, he emphasizes learning through experience and refining systems in real time. We explore why so many businesses struggle by making things more complicated than they need to be, and how a simpler, more focused approach can lead to better outcomes. This conversation is a practical look at how clarity is built — not in theory, but through doing the work and continuously improving it. 👉 If you find yourself overcomplicating your business, this episode will challenge you to simplify.

E104 - From a Credit Card to Global Impact: Building a Business That Closes the Digital Divide

What does it look like to build a business that creates both profit and purpose? In this episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Kurt Reynolds, Owner and President of ReGadget, to explore how a $7,000 bet on a personal credit card turned into a fast-growing company making a real difference. ReGadget is on a mission to keep technology out of landfills and into the hands of people who need it most—bridging the digital divide for students, veterans, and underserved communities. Kurt shares how his team refurbishes and redistributes electronics while navigating major industry challenges, from operating system shifts to rising component costs driven by AI demand. But this conversation goes beyond business strategy. It’s about resilience, culture, and leadership. Kurt opens up about building a team that believes in the mission, hiring for work ethic over experience, and staying grounded through the inevitable ups and downs of entrepreneurship. If you’re an entrepreneur—or thinking about becoming one—this episode is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t require perfection. It requires belief, effort, and the courage to start. 👉 Listen now and discover how simple ideas, executed well, can create extraordinary impact!

Ep103-How Paul Miller turned circus life, creativity, and curiosity into multiple unconventional businesses.

In the 103rd episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Paul Howland Miller, the self-described Chief Goof Officer behind Circus Sweets and Bircus Brewing Company. Paul has spent his career living inside the world of the circus performing, creating, and building businesses around one simple idea: doing what others think is impossible. From balloon animals and global circus tours to launching unique entertainment-driven businesses, Paul shares how creativity, curiosity, and persistence can turn an unconventional passion into a thriving enterprise. Along the way, Paul explains why the circus mindset is surprisingly relevant for entrepreneurs today. The willingness to try something bold, build relationships, and lean into what makes you different can open doors you never expected. This conversation is a reminder that business doesn’t always have to follow a traditional path. Sometimes the most powerful strategy is simply having the courage to step into the ring. Listen in to discover: How Paul built businesses from a career in circus entertainment Why the circus mindset is a powerful entrepreneurial model The importance of partnerships and unexpected opportunities Simple advice for anyone trying to turn passion into a business If you’ve ever wondered whether your unconventional idea could actually work, this episode might just convince you to give it a shot.

Ep102-Ownership, integrity, and 30 years of steady growth with Mike Mason, President of Lawn Pro

In the 102nd episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Mike Mason, President of Lawn Pro in Louisville, Kentucky, to unpack what 30 years in business has taught him about leadership, growth, and integrity. Mike shares the story of joining the family business in the mid-90s, taking over operations, and ultimately purchasing the company in March 2020 right as the world shut down. What could have been a disaster turned into a defining growth season, as the company adapted, strengthened its systems, and capitalized on new demand. But this conversation isn’t about landscaping. It’s about leadership. Mike breaks down his simple but powerful philosophy: Do what you say you’re going to do. Own your mistakes. Fix the problem. No blame. No excuses. Just responsibility. If you’re a business owner, leader, or entrepreneur who wants practical wisdom without complexity, this episode delivers grounded insight you can apply immediately. Listen in, reflect, and simplify the way you lead.