Podcast Episode Title: “Innovating with Plastic Parts w/ Joe Paonessa” Show Description with Highlights: In this episode of The Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast, host Jim sits down with Joe Paonessa, owner of Edgecroft, to explore the fascinating world of plastics manufacturing and entrepreneurship. Joe shares his journey from Canada to Tennessee, detailing how he built a thriving business that manufactures and fulfills products for major brands like Squatty Potty. Highlights include: Th...
Aug 08, 2025•59 min•Season 8Ep. 253
Podcast Episode Title: "Sax, Stages, and Stories w/ Steve Nieves" Show Description: Join host Jim as he sits down with saxophonist Steve Nieves, exploring his remarkable musical career spanning decades. Discover how Steve transitioned from local bands to touring with legendary artists like Jimmy Messina, navigating the music industry with dedication and joy. Highlights include: Steve's musical beginnings in San Diego Insights into professional music performance Transitioning to Nashville during ...
Aug 01, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 8Ep. 252
Podcast Episode Title: "Feeding Hope w/ Frank and Sasa Georgalos" Show Description: Join host Jim as he sits down with Frank and Sasa Georgalos, owners of Grecian Family Restaurant and Bakery in Spring Hill, Tennessee. Discover how this Greek-American couple has become a beloved community cornerstone through their authentic cuisine, incredible Thanksgiving meal program, and unwavering commitment to helping those in need. Hear their inspiring journey from New York to Florida to Tennessee, their p...
Jul 25, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Season 8Ep. 251
Show Description: In this episode of the Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast, host Jim sits down with professional bass player Luis Espaillat for an engaging conversation about music, technology, and the evolving landscape of the music industry. Luis shares insights into his musical journey, the challenges of being a session musician in Nashville, and his perspectives on emerging technologies like AI. Episode Highlights: Luis's musical origins and transition to becoming a professional bass ...
Jul 18, 2025•1 hr 33 min•Season 8Ep. 250
Podcast Episode Title: "A Journey of Authenticity w/ Darryll Stinson" Show Description: In this powerful episode of the Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast, host sits down with Darryll Stinson, a transformative speaker who overcame significant personal challenges to become a leading voice in communication and leadership. Highlights include: Darryll's remarkable journey from struggling athlete to inspirational speaker Overcoming identity struggles, sports injuries, and mental health challeng...
Jul 11, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 8Ep. 249
Podcast Episode Title: "Voiceover, Music, and Mindset" Show Description: Join host Jim and special guest Rob Ricotta as they dive deep into the world of entertainment, discussing the evolving landscape of music, voice acting, and creative entrepreneurship. Hear Rob's insights on navigating the music industry, the importance of adaptability, and his experiences as a drummer and voice actor. Highlights: Rob's musical beginnings in small-town North Carolina The art of producing yourself in voice ac...
Jul 04, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Season 8Ep. 248
Podcast Episode Title: "Opening Doors After Shark Tank" Show Description: Join host Jim McCarthy as he sits down with Clay Banks, co-founder of Haven Lock, to dive deep into the world of entrepreneurship. Discover the behind-the-scenes story of their Shark Tank experience, the challenges of launching a home security product, and valuable insights for aspiring business owners. Highlights include: The nine-month process of preparing for Shark Tank Lessons learned from pitching a high-value securit...
Jun 27, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Season 8Ep. 247
Podcast Title: "Healing, Humor, and Hustle" Show Description: In this engaging episode of the Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast, host sits down with Alex Phillips, founder of Amplify Health and Performance. Alex shares her candid journey from a small West Tennessee town to becoming a physical therapy entrepreneur in Nashville. Highlights include: Navigating the challenges of in-network vs. out-of-network physical therapy Building a unique business model that prioritizes personalized clien...
Jun 20, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Season 8Ep. 246
Podcast Episode Title: "Anchoring Success" Show Description: Join host Jim McCarthy as he sits down with John Sinky and JC Henry from Anchor Roofing to explore the ins and outs of the roofing industry in Middle Tennessee. Discover how this local business navigates insurance claims, builds customer trust, and grows strategically while maintaining a family-oriented culture. Highlights include innovative marketing strategies, the challenges of seasonal roofing work, and insights into turning a smal...
Jun 13, 2025•54 min•Season 8Ep. 245
Podcast Episode Title: "College Student to Entrepreneur" Show Description: In this exciting episode of the Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast, 24-year-old entrepreneur Dan DeGiulio shares his inspiring journey of building Junk Remedy, a thriving junk removal business in Nashville. Highlights: How a family business inspired his entrepreneurial path Overcoming challenges as a young business owner Innovative social media strategies for small businesses Future plans to expand to 6 trucks and 1...
Jun 04, 2025•50 min•Season 8Ep. 244
Podcast Episode Title: "Choosing Prosperity" Show Description: In this powerful episode of the Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast, renowned entrepreneur Brad Lea shares his transformative insights on personal development, business strategy, and the power of choice. Highlights: Unlock the power of free will and personal responsibility Develop a growth mindset that drives continuous improvement Create valuable business systems and training processes Understand the true meaning of legacy beyo...
May 21, 2025•1 hr 35 min•Season 8Ep. 243
Podcast Episode Title: "Drumming Up Success" Show Description: Join host Jim McCarthy as he sits down with world-renowned drummer Rich Redmond for an in-depth conversation about navigating the music industry, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. Highlights: Rich's 20+ year journey as Jason Aldean's drummer The importance of perseverance and staying true to your purpose Insights into the music business, podcasting, and creative entrepreneurship Strategies for musicians and creatives looking to ...
May 14, 2025•1 hr 43 min•Season 8Ep. 242
Podcast Episode Title: "Spring Hill's New Mayor" Show Description: In this compelling episode of the Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast, newly elected Spring Hill Mayor Matt Fitterer sits down to discuss the city's most pressing challenges and opportunities. Fitterer shares insights into his vision for Spring Hill, offering a transparent look at municipal leadership and the complex dynamics of managing a rapidly expanding community. Highlights: Top three city priorities: utility capacity, ...
May 08, 2025•37 min•Season 8Ep. 241
Podcast Episode Title: "Authentic Storytelling" Show Description: In this engaging episode of the Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast, host Jim McCarthy dives deep with Benjamin Rydberg, videographer of It's Your Show, exploring his transformation from a film school graduate to a strategic video production professional. Highlights: Navigating the challenges of starting a creative business during the pandemic Insights into modern video production and storytelling Unique services like "Presen...
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 8Ep. 240
Podcast Episode Title: "Unconventional Wellness" Show Description: Join host Jim McCarthy and Frank Marghella of Ideal Health and Wellness Center as they dive deep into a wide-ranging conversation about health, nutrition, sports, music, and the journey of a Northeast transplant making his mark in Middle Tennessee. Highlights: Frank's move from Long Island to Nashville in 2007 The importance of chiropractic care for athletes and children Insights into nutrition, inflammation, and holistic health ...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Season 8Ep. 239
Podcast Episode Title: "Investments and Impersonations" Show Description: In this captivating episode of the Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast, Jared Peters shares his remarkable story of family heritage, real estate adventures, and entrepreneurial spirit. Highlights: His family's migration from Soviet Russia to California's Central Valley Navigating the 2008 real estate market as a young investor Unique experiences in property management, including colorful characters and unexpected stor...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Season 8Ep. 238
Podcast Episode Title: "Wheels of Wisdom" Show Description: In this captivating episode of the Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast, host Jim McCarthy sits down with Matt West, CEO of Route Consultant, to explore an incredible career transformation from car sales to logistics brokerage. Discover how West navigated the challenging automotive industry, learned invaluable business lessons from mentors like Steve Brink, and ultimately found his calling in a unique entrepreneurial space. Highligh...
Apr 02, 2025•1 hr 39 min•Season 8Ep. 237
Title: "Embracing Authenticity" Show Description: In this engaging episode of the Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast, host Jim McCarthy sits down with Lyndsay Stafford, a dynamic business coach and entrepreneur. Lyndsay shares her remarkable journey from working in a tanning salon to running Stafford Solutions, offering insights into: Highlights: Her philosophy of hiring experts for tasks she doesn't enjoy Navigating business challenges in the post-pandemic era Leveraging AI as a strategic...
Mar 26, 2025•49 min•Season 8Ep. 236
Podcast Episode Title: "Uncorking the Wine Industry" Show Description: In this episode of The Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast, we sit down with Laura Houston, the founder of Bell and Bottle, a wine curation and event company. Laura shares her journey from corporate America to the wine industry, discussing her experiences working with boutique wineries and her passion for supporting female entrepreneurs. Highlights: Laura's transition from a corporate career to starting her own wine busi...
Mar 20, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 8Ep. 235
Podcast Episode Title: "Navigating the Insurance Landscape" Show Description: In this episode of the Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast, host Jim McCarthy sits down with insurance expert and longtime friend Kevin Michelson to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the insurance industry. Highlights: The impact of rising storm frequency and severity on homeowner's insurance premiums and coverage Innovative solutions emerging, such as wind/hail deductible buyback programs, to help consu...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr 46 min•Season 8Ep. 234
Podcast Episode Title: "Art of Honest Conversations" Show Description: In this episode of the Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast, host Jim McCarthy sits down with financial advisor Michael Mercurio to discuss his unique approach to wealth management. Michael shares his insights on the importance of honesty, transparency, and putting the client's needs first, drawing from his experiences in the car sales industry. Highlights: Michael shares his unexpected journey from the car sales industry...
Mar 05, 2025•1 hr 50 min•Season 8Ep. 233
A Middle Tennessee Business Podcast....subscribe/follow/rate/review at www.mmtbp.com In this episode, we bring back Ed Fox, a four-time returning guest, to discuss his journey of navigating recent life and business challenges. Ed shares his experiences with severe depression, selling his franchises, and finding a new path forward. Key Highlights: - The importance of finding passion and joy in your work, even when facing difficulties - Strategies for dealing with burnout and maintaining a positiv...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 45 min•Season 8Ep. 232
Podcast Episode Title: "Embracing the Entrepreneurial Spirit" Podcast Episode Description: In this episode of the Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast, we sit down with Jason, the founder of Dozer Dudes, to explore his journey from corporate management to the world of excavation and land development. Highlights: Discover how Jason's background in retail and food service management prepared him for the challenges of entrepreneurship in the construction industry. Learn about the unique equipme...
Feb 18, 2025•1 hr•Season 8Ep. 231
Creating a Culture of Care w/ Christopher McClintock :: Ep 230 MMTBP In this episode, I talk to Christopher McClintock, an entrepreneur in Middle Tennessee. We discuss his entrepreneurial journey, starting with a gym in Middle Tennessee and expanding to Comfort Keepers, a non-medical home care service. He emphasizes the importance of integrity in business, sharing how his gym's success was built on returning phone calls and providing excellent service. Christopher also highlights the challenges ...
Feb 11, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 8Ep. 230
A Middle Tennessee Business Podcast....subscribe/follow/rate/review at www.mmtbp.com In this episode, we sit down with former NFL linebacker Avery Williamson to discuss his transition from a successful professional football career to navigating the business world. Avery shares the challenges of adjusting to life after the NFL, from dealing with the uncertainty of free agency to exploring various entrepreneurial ventures. Highlights include: - Avery's passion for football from a young age and the...
Feb 04, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Season 8Ep. 229
Reflections of a Radio Veteran w/ Johnny B :: Ep 228 MMTBP In this episode, I talk to Johnny B, a radio industry veteran. We discuss the evolution and challenges of the radio industry. Johnny, who started in radio through his father's country stations, shares his experiences, including working with Phil Valentine and transitioning to talk radio. We reflect on the impact of Phil's passing and the changes in the industry. We also discuss the importance of sales skills for on-air talent and the pot...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 8Ep. 228
Cultivating Compassionate Leadership w/ Amanda Banks & John Woerner :: Ep 227 MMTBP In this 3rd annual episode, I talk to John Woerner, My fellow J2 Owner and CEO, and Amanda Banks, a former guest who has a knack for helping individuals and organizations buy into a vision, process or idea through events, education and experiences. The conversation revolves around the episode featuring returning guests discussing business and personal growth. John shares his experience of becoming a TEDx spea...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 37 min•Season 8Ep. 227
From Setback to Comeback w/ Gabriel Sedlak :: Ep 226 MMTBP In this episode, we talk to Gabriel Sedlak, a seasoned and successful network sales and marketing pro We discuss the importance of resilience and adaptability in business and life. Gabriel shares his experience of transitioning from a successful but declining business model to joining a new company. He emphasizes the need to stay grounded, be discerning, and not compromise one's values. We also touch on the impact of media and public per...
Jan 14, 2025•1 hr 34 min•Season 8Ep. 226
Navigating the Changing Tides of Radio w/ Paul Ladd :: Ep 225 MMTBP In this episode, we talk to Paul Ladd, a veteran in the radio industry. We discuss his career journey from North Carolina to Nashville, highlighting his work with World Christian Broadcasting. Paul shares experiences from his early days in radio, including his time at Lenoir Community College and his first job in North Carolina. We emphasize the evolution of radio technology and the importance of adapting to new media like podca...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Season 8Ep. 225
A Holistic Approach to Women's Health w/ Tracy Rickstrew :: Ep 224 MMTBP In this episode, we talk to Tracy Rickstrew, owner of Tracy Erin Wellness. Tracy, an RN and functional medicine practitioner, emphasizes the importance of addressing root causes of health issues rather than just treating symptoms. She discusses the impact of environmental factors like mold on health, the role of lifestyle changes, and the limitations of conventional medicine. Tracy shares a case study of a client named Emma...
Dec 31, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 8Ep. 224