Manifesting Growth
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Aug 26, 2021•15 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Behind the Review
Hosted by Yelp’s Small Business Expert, Emily Washcovick, Behind the Review features candid conversations with entrepreneurs and industry leaders—uncovering the stories, surprises, and creative strategies behind successful businesses. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, actionable tips, or insights to help your own business grow, tune in for fresh perspectives and expert advice, now also available on YouTube.
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Episodes
Checking in With Your Crew and Customers
This week we speak to Rey Alaniz, third generation roofer and franchise owner of Eagle Eye Contracting Services, on what it takes to get repeat business from customers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 19, 2021•19 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Creating Consistency by Putting Employee Culture First
Aligned Modern Health takes pride in its exemplary customer service and attention to detail. To achieve this across 17+ locations, it takes the right staff and a positive employee culture. Hear from the health and wellness center’s marketing director Elizabeth, plus reviewer Atiya who shares her experience with other providers before finding her team at Aligned. Aligned Modern Health Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Aug 12, 2021•28 min•Season 1Ep. 33
A Fitness Community Rooted in Experience and Education
After struggling to find a gym that felt like home, partners Juan and Amanda decided to open their own strength training gym and nutrition business. With a focus on giving back to the military members and first responders in their community, they’ve built a welcoming place for their members, like our reviewer Josh. Josh shares his experience at the gym and how the strong sense of community there inspired him to spend even more time with his new fitness family. Learn more about your ad choices. V...
Aug 05, 2021•26 min•Season 1Ep. 32
The Playbook to Negative Reviews
Nic Faitos, Owner of Starbright Floral Design, shares his approach to critical reviews. Starbright Floral Design Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 08, 2021•18 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Creating an Out-of-This-World Experience
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Jul 01, 2021•23 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Finding a Community Need and Creating the Solution
A great business idea solves a hole in the marketplace, creating something that solves a problem that no one had previously been able to solve. This doesn’t always mean coming up with a new idea, sometimes it just means identifying where an existing business could meet a need and starting there. That is what Shelly Walker, owner of Fairmount Bicycles in Philly did - and it paid off. Her business is more than a business - it’s a place people want to be, according to this week’s Yelp reviewer. Fai...
Jun 17, 2021•21 min•Season 1Ep. 29
The Importance of Learning from the Competition
Uncovering why you want to start a business or what kind of business you want to start can be as easy as finding something you enjoy and not wanting that to end. And it’s the story of how co-owner James Morro started Urban Kayaks. They were dedicated to creating a great experience and learned from what the competition was doing wrong to bring the best possible outcome to life. This week’s Yelp reviewer, Michelle S. echoes those points precisely after her experience with them. This episode is spo...
Jun 10, 2021•24 min•Season 1Ep. 28
The Solo Entrepreneur Experience
Being a true solo entrepreneur is not an easy job because, in essence, it’s all of the jobs. It’s never simple to start or run a business, but there is an added element of responsibility and often stress that comes with being the sole proprietor. Victoria Gasparro, owner of The Party Nail, shares what it means to not only own a business but to also be the business and Yelp reviewer, Naomi Y, discusses how it’s really about the value you get that makes an experience worth the cost. This episode i...
Jun 03, 2021•24 min•Season 1Ep. 27
A Business Built on a Foundation of Value and Trust
Sometimes as a business owner you’re involved in a very pivotal moment in a consumer’s life. They are coming to you in a moment of need and have to trust that you’re going to help them through to the other side. Tim Lo, co-founder of career counseling service, Your Next Jump, finds himself in that position daily. He knows that developing trust, right off the bat, is essential and his entire business is built off of that foundation - something this week’s Yelp reviewer, Heather C. knows well. You...
May 27, 2021•23 min•Season 1Ep. 26
The Importance of Passion and Authenticity
Creativity and authenticity are two key factors in creating a successful business. For Matthew Wong, Co-Founder and CEO of Tea and Milk in NYC, channeling passion into creativity is a core operating principle. To create a product that could be a dime-a-dozen, but somehow rises above, is not an easy feat. This week hear from Yelp reviewer Jando S. on how the business has managed to stand out in a crowd and from Matthew about the importance of leveraging your true passion. Tea and Milk Ali Schwart...
May 20, 2021•25 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Creating a Community
Business owners have enormous responsibilities and often have to navigate challenging situations. But when it comes to addiction and mental health counseling, the responsibilities go far beyond running a successful business. Dr. Church founded Wholeview Wellness because she felt there was a need not being met in the therapeutic community. Our Yelp reviewer Glori M. was kind enough to share her story and through herself & Dr. Church, we explore many learnings for businesses in any industry. W...
May 13, 2021•24 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Striking the Perfect Balance: Cultural Integrity and Customer Expectations
Customer expectations can be tricky sometimes and, as a business owner, they aren’t always in line with what you think they should be. Lucas Sin, owner of Nice Day Chinese in New York, has been expertly managing these challenges. Maintaining cultural integrity while meeting customer expectations is not easy - it takes work and dedication and this week’s reviewer, Morlene C. took notice. Learn how you can strike the balance in this week’s episode. Nice Day Chinese Learn more about your ad choices...
May 06, 2021•26 min•Season 1Ep. 23
High Stakes and Heightened Customer Experiences
Some industries have higher stakes than others. As someone who deals with the pressure of such a high stakes business - in addition to all of the other elements that go into running a successful operation - Nahuel Hilal, owner of Iris Tattoo, has plenty of insights to share. We talk a lot about the importance of customer experience and this week is no exception. When it comes to getting a tattoo - something that will be with you forever - the experience has to match the heightened moment. Iris T...
Apr 29, 2021•23 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Take a Walk in Your Customer’s Shoes
Taking a walk in someone else’s shoes can have so many benefits. This week’s guest, owner and founder of Ritual Hot Yoga, uses that method in almost every aspect of her business. From a customer’s first interaction on the website, to the class itself, owner and founder, Lindsey Kaalberg, put extreme thought & care into building a memorable experience - an experience “like no other,” according to Yelp reviewer, Jane C. Find out how Lindsey’s approach can be applied to all business models. Rit...
Apr 22, 2021•23 min•Season 1Ep. 21
We Set The Temperature, We Don’t Adjust To It
Anticipating diverse customer needs takes thought, intention and mindfulness. It’s not something that comes without work and Alex Bradberry, owner and founder of The Sparkle Bar, is well aware of what it takes to create a truly inclusive experience for her customers. In this week’s deep dive, Alex, who we heard from in episode three, lends us her expertise on the matter. The Sparkle Bar: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-sparkle-bar-scottsdale?osq=sparkle+bar Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar...
Apr 15, 2021•14 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Taking Your in-Person Experience Into the Digital World
It’s nothing new to hear that hospitality should be a big priority for all business owners. But, for Cali BBQ, it’s all about Digital Hospitality. While that may sound like just another buzzword, it’s something that all businesses should be prioritizing. In this ‘Deep Dive’ episode, Shawn Walchef, Owner of Cali BBQ & Founder of Cali BBQ Media, talks about what Digital Hospitality is, why it’s so important and what steps business owners can take to implement an effective digital strategy. Cal...
Apr 08, 2021•15 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Hire Slow, Fire Fast
This week we’re trying something a bit different and are introducing a Deep Dive episode where we’ll go deeper on one topic with one of our previous podcast guests. This week: Hiring and Firing with The Candle Pour’s Misty & Dennis Akers. They share their expertise and help business owners with how they might want to think about staffing and why who you hire is essential to creating an unforgettable experience. The Candle Pour: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-candle-pour-tampa Ali Schwartz: htt...
Apr 01, 2021•20 min•Season 1Ep. 18
How Supporting Local Businesses and Philanthropic Causes Helped This Business Owner Find Success
Many people care about small businesses and philanthropic causes, but truly making a difference takes a little something more. In our final episode during Women’s History Month, I spoke with Angela Shen, owner and founder of Savor Seattle. Angela cares deeply about her local community, advocates for a number of social causes, and actively supports women-owned businesses. Yelp reviewer, Vy M. connected immediately with Savor Seattle because of Angela’s customer service & mission. Savor Seattl...
Mar 25, 2021•24 min•Season 1Ep. 17
When Thinking Outside the Box Pays Off
This week we talked with Amanda Scotese, owner + founder of Chicago Detours - a touring company that is always pushing the limits of what is expected to create an unforgettable - and more importantly, irreplicable - experience for their customers. That mindset enabled them to thrive during a pandemic when in-person tours are out of the question. Our Yelp reviewer, Michelle R., experienced the Chicago tour from her living room in Orlando - an offering Amanda hadn’t dreamed of just one year ago. C...
Mar 18, 2021•22 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Using Pies as the Vessel for Important Conversations
When you create a business for the community, it’s the community that can make you successful-even when you open during a pandemic. Natasha Burton, founder & owner of Mixed Fillings Pie Shop in Jacksonville, FL, prides herself on her customer service and connection to the local community. It’s her “brand,” combined with the delicious, uniquely named pies that sold reviewer, Natalia, on the shop. Learn how creating a space for meaningful conversations & being accessible brought Natasha su...
Mar 11, 2021•21 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Creating and Inspiring Confidence Through a Business Model
Building a business where people go to feel inspired and confident is much easier said than done. Replicating and franchising that concept, all while making the important things stick, is even harder. Jami Stigliano, owner and founder of dance studio franchise, DivaDance, managed to make it happen. This week’s Yelp reviewer, Emily A., shares her story of how the Austin studio gave her a sense of empowerment and community. DivaDance (Austin location): https://www.yelp.com/biz/divadance-austin-3 A...
Mar 04, 2021•26 min•Season 1Ep. 14
The Business of Creating a Cultural Exchange
Creating a business isn’t always about the endgame of selling a product. For Clinton Jones, owner of Magnum Opus Hair Salon in D.C., it’s about creating a cultural exchange. In this week’s episode we take a look at the journey of Yelp reviewer, Diane M., who went seven months without a haircut in the pandemic, turned to Yelp to find a new local business and came out the other side with a growing discussion - in addition to a stylish cut. Magnum Opus Hair Salon: https://www.yelp.com/biz/magnum-op...
Feb 25, 2021•24 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Living Up to Your Online Reputation
Some businesses are centered around a great product - others are about dependability, reliability and honesty. A great locksmith focuses on the latter. This week we talk with Jay Stofer, founder and CEO of NYC business, Lockbusters, who knows that his reputation is everything. This week’s reviewer, Charlotte B., turned to Yelp in a moment of need. Jay finds many of his clients in moments of vulnerability - find out how he earns his exceptional reputation & what others can learn from it. Lock...
Feb 18, 2021•23 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Turning a Passion Into a Product
Having a product worth waiting in line for is something many business owners aim for - knowing that what you’re offering is worth both a consumer’s time and money. That’s what co-owners Sam Butarbutar + Wenter Shyu have achieved with Third Culture Bakery. We talk with Sam about how their commitment to quality has helped them find success and how they build impressive customer loyalty. To exemplify this, we spoke with cross-country Yelp reviewer, Cherie C., about her not one, but two reviews. Thi...
Feb 11, 2021•25 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Overnight Success Takes Ten Years
“The celebration is still on. Your birthday doesn’t care that it’s COVID.” In this week’s episode, we talk to Mignon Francois, owner of the Cupcake Collection about pandemic pivots but, more importantly, we hear from her on how she turned a business - started from nothing - into a two location success. Yelp reviewer and creative entrepreneur, Monica S. reminds us how much joy something simple - like a sweet potato cupcake - can bring. It will leave you inspired and hungry. The Cupcake Collection...
Feb 04, 2021•24 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Ownership Mentality & Meaningful Customer Relationships
When it comes to selling a luxury product, it’s important to cultivate a relationship with your consumer and understand their motivations. Viviana Langhoff, owner of Adornment & Theory, a jewelry shop in downtown Chicago, shares how she created five pillars for her and her staff to live by. Yelp reviewer, Shelby F., saw these pillars come to life in her numerous experiences with the business and shares why it’s so important to focus on a meaningful customer relationship, rather than the sale...
Jan 28, 2021•22 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Great Leadership Takes Hard Work...And Pays Off
Being a great leader doesn’t come naturally to many - however, as a business owner you are thrown into a leadership role. Josh Campbell, owner of Rescue Air Heating & Cooling in Richardson, TX, gives his all to becoming a great leader - and it pays off. His staff follows his example & his customers notice. Yelp reviewer, Jennifer W., shared her experience with the company, which started out with a late-night Yelp conversation over a broken AC unit. Hear from Josh about what it takes to s...
Jan 21, 2021•24 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Hidden Gems: A Business Owner and a Reviewer’s Guide
Curating an inventory of hidden gems and quality antique pieces takes time, thought and a keen eye. On this week’s episode, we talk with Krisi Hora, owner of Baltimore boutique, Peg Leg Vintage & Yelp reviewer Hannah H., about Hidden Gems - both from a consumer and business owner perspective. Krisi, works to uncover unique, high-quality items for her store and arrange them in an intentional way. Hannah, scours Yelp for “undiscovered” places, hoping to find something special. Peg Leg Vintage:...
Jan 14, 2021•24 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Relentless Hospitality
The pandemic has had an impact on all businesses - small, large, restaurants, fitness studios, nail salons, etc. We talked with the minds behind Cali Comfort BBQ in San Diego. Shawn Walchef, Owner, + Stover Harger, Digital Specialist have rethought everything they knew about running a sports BBQ spot + pushed their digital strategy to the limits. Reviewer, Madriel A., talks about the elevated customer experience she’s seen with Cali Comfort BBQ - and many other businesses - during COVID. Cali Co...
Jan 07, 2021•23 min•Season 1Ep. 6
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