Episodes

  • Only 2% of Mechanics are Women. She Wants to Change That | Behind the Business

    Only 2% of Mechanics are Women. She Wants to Change That | Behind the Business
    Jul 31 2026
    Meet Audra, the fourth-generation owner of Great Bear Auto Shop in Queens, NYC. In an industry where only 2 percent of auto mechanics are women, Audra is changing expectations about who belongs in the garage and how a car repair shop serves its community. Growing up with the family business, Audra faced skepticism and pushback but turned every challenge into motivation. She learned on the job, went to trade school, and brought fresh skills and ideas back to Great Bear. Audra transformed the shop's culture, shifting from the stereotypes of the past to build an inclusive, comfortable space for everyone. Her belief in educating rather than intimidating customers is written on the walls and reflected in every service. Each repair is about helping people feel safe and empowered, not just fixing cars. One key moment came when Audra realized many customers felt overwhelmed by car care. She started hosting free monthly workshops for women – creating a welcoming environment where knowledge is shared and stereotypes are left at the door. Today, Great Bear is more than just a family-owned auto repair shop. It is a hub for community empowerment, championing women in auto repair and helping drivers across Queens and NYC feel confident on the road. If you are looking to support a women-owned small business and see what makes Great Bear Auto different, check out Audra’s shop on Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/great-bear-auto-and-auto-body-shop-flushing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • Lynn Smith on Mastering Communication, Presence, and Feedback to Grow Your Business

    Lynn Smith on Mastering Communication, Presence, and Feedback to Grow Your Business
    Oct 22 2025
    Media expert Lynn Smith shares how mastering communication unlocks business growth, team trust, and brand visibility. Lynn outlines strategies to overcome the “brain bully,” communicate with presence, handle feedback with confidence, and rebrand with impact. Learn practical tips for entrepreneurs; from magnetic messaging to pitching the media and building a trustworthy, memorable brand. https://www.lynnsmith.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Bobby Berk’s Secrets to Customer Engagement, Team Culture, and Standout Design

    Bobby Berk’s Secrets to Customer Engagement, Team Culture, and Standout Design
    Oct 15 2025
    TV design expert and bestselling author Bobby Berk joins Emily to share how he grew from retail entrepreneur to celebrated TV personality, building an authentic brand at every step. Bobby reveals his approach to interior design, creating “Instagrammable” moments, fostering team loyalty, and handling customer reviews—all to make your business truly unforgettable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • From Fish Cheeks to Bub’s Bakery : How Jenn Saesue & Chat Suansilphong grew 55 Hospitality

    From Fish Cheeks to Bub’s Bakery : How Jenn Saesue & Chat Suansilphong grew 55 Hospitality
    Oct 8 2025
    Jenn Saesue and Chat Suansilphong of 55 Hospitality share how they redefined Thai food in NYC with Fish Cheeks, launched Bangkok Supper Club, and are now opening Bub’s Bakery. Hear their insights on spotting market gaps, partnering with talented chefs, embracing customer feedback, and building trust within their team. Discover real-world lessons on growing restaurant brands and staying innovative while expanding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • Café Empire Building: Maman’s Secrets to Growth, Branding, & the Martha Stewart Effect

    Café Empire Building: Maman’s Secrets to Growth, Branding, & the Martha Stewart Effect
    Oct 1 2025
    Elisa Marshall, co-founder of Maman cafés, shares how she grew a bakery from 1 curated location, to over 40! Plus landing a dream collab with Martha Stewart. Hear her top tips on menu innovation, brand storytelling, customer advocacy, and scaling without losing authenticity. Packed with practical advice for hospitality pros and entrepreneurs in any industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • The Property Brothers: How a Real Estate Business Became a Brand Empire

    The Property Brothers: How a Real Estate Business Became a Brand Empire
    Sep 24 2025
    Drew and Jonathan Scott—the Property Brothers—share how childhood side hustles fueled their rise to global brand leaders. Learn how innovation, authenticity, and listening to customers built their product empire and hit TV shows. Plus, insights from their new show, “Don’t Hate Your House” and tips for healthier homes, impactful marketing, and business growth. Property Brothers Don't Hate Your House (HGTV show) More about the episode⁠ Theme Music by ⁠Ali Schwartz⁠ and ⁠Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • How Pana Food Truck Became an Arepas Empire

    How Pana Food Truck Became an Arepas Empire
    Sep 17 2025
    The inspiring journey of Pana Food Truck. Founder Herman Sierra shares how he and his brother brought Venezuelan arepas to California, overcoming setbacks and building a community one customer at a time. Hear about navigating business challenges, keeping the menu authentic (and simple), mastering social media, and the leap from food truck to brick and mortar restaurant. Essential advice for any entrepreneur dreaming of turning culture and passion into success. Pana Food TruckMore about the episodeTheme Music by Ali Schwartz and Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • How CAVA’s Culture Fueled Its National Expansion (with Founder, Ted Xenohristos)

    How CAVA’s Culture Fueled Its National Expansion (with Founder, Ted Xenohristos)
    Sep 10 2025
    Go behind the scenes with Ted Xenohristos, founder and Chief Concept Officer of CAVA, as he shares how the Mediterranean-inspired brand grew from a single, family-run restaurant, to a national sensation. Discover the importance of culture, team empowerment, food quality, and innovation in scaling a restaurant business, plus candid lessons learned along the way. Don’t miss insights on hospitality, customer connection, and what makes CAVA truly unique. CAVAMore about the episodeTheme Music by Ali Schwartz and Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins