Episode 93: AI Can Re-Build The Middle Class: If You Have a Little Patience and a Little Grit (Audrey Bell-Kearney, President, Gwinnett Women's Chamber of Commerce)

Episode 93: The Risk You Can't See: What Every Amazon Seller Needs to Know About IP ( Michael Poropat, Co-Founder, Stockman & Poropat, PLLC | Intellectual Property & Business Law Firm)

In this episode of The Think Small Podcast, Michael Poropat, Co-Founder and Intellectual Property Attorney at Stockman Poropat, shares how the New York-based boutique law firm has built a specialized practice serving e-commerce entrepreneurs, Amazon sellers, and small business owners navigating the complex world of intellectual property and online marketplace compliance. Michael explains the often-overlooked risks facing online sellers, including account suspensions, intellectual property disputes, trademark conflicts, and platform enforcement actions that can disrupt or even shut down a business overnight. He discusses the firm's client-centered approach, emphasizing education, accessibility, and long-term relationships while helping entrepreneurs proactively protect their brands, products, and revenue streams. Michael also reflects on his unconventional journey from studying theoretical mathematics and competitive gaming to building a law practice dedicated to supporting creators, innovators, and business builders. He shares insights on the importance of planning early, understanding legal risks before they become crises, and approaching business growth with both strategic foresight and practical protection. The conversation offers valuable perspectives on intellectual property strategy, Amazon seller challenges, entrepreneurship, client service, and the critical role that education and trusted advisors play in helping small businesses build sustainable, protected, and scalable companies. Connect: Website: https://stockmanporopat.com/ [https://stockmanporopat.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljporopat [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljporopat/?isSelfProfile=false]

Episode 93: AI Can Re-Build The Middle Class: If You Have a Little Patience and a Little Grit (Audrey Bell-Kearney, President, Gwinnett Women's Chamber of Commerce)

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Audrey Bell-Kearney has spent more than three decades turning bold ideas into thriving businesses. From selling perfume on the streets of New Jersey after losing her job to creating one of the first plus-size fashion doll companies in the country, Audrey’s entrepreneurial journey is defined by resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to building opportunities where none seem to exist. Today, she leads multiple ventures, including the Gwinnett Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Noise Media Network, and ClipVinci.ai [http://ClipVinci.ai], while empowering entrepreneurs, authors, and underserved communities through media, technology, and education. In this inspiring conversation, Audrey shares the lessons she learned from building businesses through setbacks, economic uncertainty, personal loss, and rapid technological change. She discusses the importance of mentorship, the realities of entrepreneurial loneliness, and why she believes artificial intelligence represents one of the greatest wealth-building opportunities for Gen X and Baby Boomers. From creating AI-powered tools and workforce development programs to helping communities prepare for the future of work, Audrey offers a powerful perspective on innovation, legacy, and the value of building a life and business on your own terms. Connect: Website: https://gwinnettwomenschamber.com/ [https://gwinnettwomenschamber.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwinnettwomenschamber [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwinnettwomenschamber]

Episode 92: Marc Sanders, Executive Director, Assisted Home Health and Hospice

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Mark Sanders, Executive Director of Assisted Home Health and Hospice, shares his remarkable 24-year journey from entry-level insurance coordinator to leading a multi-state healthcare organization. He discusses how Assisted Home Health and Hospice has grown by focusing on quality patient care, operational excellence, and strategic expansion across California and Arizona. Mark provides an inside look at the organization's comprehensive services, including home health, hospice care, caregiver support, and specialized clinical programs designed to help patients recover, regain independence, and improve their quality of life. Mark also reflects on the challenges and opportunities that have shaped the company's growth, from navigating the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic to managing rapid expansion while maintaining high standards of care. He explores how emerging technologies, including AI-powered documentation tools, are helping clinicians spend more time with patients and less time on administrative tasks. Throughout the conversation, Mark shares valuable leadership insights on scaling a service-based organization, building trust with patients and staff, and staying committed to a mission of making a meaningful impact in people's lives every day. Connect: Website: https://assistedcares.com/ [https://assistedcares.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-sanders-b6413aa4 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-sanders-b6413aa4]

Episode 91: Aun Raza, President & COO, Stella Technology

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Aun Raza, President and Chief Operating Officer of Stella Technology, shares how the company is transforming healthcare through innovative digital health solutions designed to improve accessibility, affordability, and quality of care. He discusses Stella Technology’s mission-driven approach to developing electronic medical records, health information exchange platforms, telehealth solutions, and other healthcare technologies that serve emerging markets across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. Aun explains the unique challenges of building healthcare software, where technical expertise must be combined with a deep understanding of patient care, clinical workflows, and healthcare ecosystems. The conversation also explores how Stella Technology has navigated major industry shifts, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. Aun offers insights into the company's people-first leadership philosophy, emphasizing workforce development, psychological safety, and responsible AI adoption as key drivers of long-term success. He also shares Stella Technology’s vision for a more connected and interoperable healthcare ecosystem, highlighting initiatives focused on social determinants of health and the use of technology to create better outcomes for patients, providers, and communities worldwide. Connect: Website: https://www.stellatechnology.com/ [https://www.stellatechnology.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aunmraza [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aunmraza/?isSelfProfile=false]

Episode 90: The Catalog That Endures: How a 40-Year-Old Heartland Retailer Turned Around, Sold to PE and Won USA Today's Best Online Store Award by Leading From the Heart. Kendra Reichenau, CEO, Heartland America

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Kendra Reichenau, CEO of Heartland America, shares how the 40-year-old direct-to-consumer retailer has successfully reinvented itself while staying true to its customer-first roots. Kendra discusses the company’s remarkable turnaround, from stabilizing operations and improving customer service to earning recognition as one of USA Today’s Best Stores of 2026. She explains how Heartland America continues to thrive with a loyal customer base by combining traditional catalog marketing, personalized service, and data-driven decision-making. Kendra also highlights the importance of customer trust, operational discipline, and creating exceptional experiences that keep shoppers coming back in an increasingly competitive retail landscape. Kendra reflects on her career leading retail and consumer brands through growth, transformation, and acquisitions, sharing lessons learned from turnarounds, private equity ownership, and scaling businesses through challenging periods. She offers practical insights into diagnosing operational problems, building high-performing teams, improving customer satisfaction, and balancing long-term loyalty with sustainable growth. The conversation provides valuable perspectives on leadership, retail innovation, private equity partnerships, and the enduring power of serving overlooked customer segments with consistency, kindness, and value. Connect: Website: https://www.heartlandamerica.com/ [https://www.heartlandamerica.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendra-reichenau [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendra-reichenau]