From a nearly $50k debt to a multi-million dollar company, Blake Garrett, founder of Aceable, didn’t follow the usual path. In this episode, Blake shares how his background in accounting and ERP consulting led him to create Aceable, a company that’s reshaping how we learn essential skills like driving and real estate licensing.

What began with a simple idea—gamifying education—has grown into a must-have tool for millions across the U.S.

Make sure to check out Aceable: https://www.aceable.com/

Check out my new book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kRKGTX

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In this episode of Starting Small, we’re joined by JW Wiseman, founder of Curious Elixirs, a booze-free craft cocktail company that’s changing the way people think about non-alcoholic drinks. JW started Curious Elixirs in 2015 while running a marketing agency, driven by a personal desire for complex cocktails without the hangover. He talks about how his fascination with cocktails and his experience in hospitality led him to create a line of drinks infused with adaptogens and designed to provide the same bold, adventurous flavors as traditional cocktails. From bootstrapping the brand to achieving over $47 million in revenue, JW shares the journey of building a product in the growing sober-curious market and the challenges of growing without outside investors.

Make sure to check out Curious Elixirs: https://curiouselixirs.com

Check out my new book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kRKGTX

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In this episode of Starting Small, we’re joined by Charlie Weisman, founder of Staff, a brand that's redefining the most overlooked items in our homes. Staff started with a plunger—yes, a plunger—designed to be bold, colorful, and functional, a far cry from the bland utility items most of us keep hidden away. Charlie takes us back to the initial spark of inspiration during the pandemic, when he looked at his bathroom plunger and thought, "Why can’t everyday essentials be fun and playful?" Charlie shares his process of bringing this vision to life, from early sketches and prototypes to finding the right manufacturers. He walks through the challenges of launching a product in a highly competitive market with no VC backing, using organic press and social buzz to build momentum.

Make sure to check out Staff: https://meetyourstaff.co

Check out my new book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kRKGTX

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Thank you to this episodes mid-break sponsor, Galastellar. Looking to elevate your space with lighting that makes a statement? GalaStellar offers a curated collection of luxury indoor lighting—from elegant chandeliers to sleek pendant lamps and modern wall fixtures. Their designs are perfect for transforming your home or venue into something extraordinary. I've personally used their pendant bar light as a statement piece and have been impressed with their quality and service. If you're in the market for lighting that blends style with sophistication, check out GalaStellar.com.

In this episode of Starting Small, we chat with Lulu Ge, founder of Elix, a wellness brand that’s changing how women approach health. Lulu’s journey starts in China, moves through a tough transition to California, and ends up with her launching a company focused on personalized herbal care. After years of dealing with stress, hormonal issues, and a traditional corporate grind, Lulu turned to Chinese medicine to heal herself—and from that, Elix was born. She shares how she built the brand from the ground up, sourcing organic herbs, conducting clinical studies, and navigating the chaos of launching in 2020. This is more than just about products; it’s about offering a new way to take care of your body by balancing the mind, body, and spirit. Lulu talks about the highs and lows of building a business, why holistic healing needs more attention, and how she’s on a mission to change the way we look at women’s health.

Make sure to check out Elix: https://elixhealing.com

Check out my new book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kRKGTX

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Thank you to this episode’s mid-break sponsor, Billy Print. I’ve been using their custom canopy tents, table covers, and feather flags for our events, and they’ve truly made a huge difference. If you're planning an event or need any branded materials—whether it’s a tent setup, table display, or eye-catching signage—Billy Print is my go-to. Their quality is excellent, turnaround time is fast, and they make sure every detail is spot on. For anything you need printed to help your brand stand out at your next event, definitely check them out at BillyPrint.com.

In this episode I'm joined by Bartosz Skwarczek of G2A. He started G2A in 2010 with a small team and a big idea—create the world’s largest digital marketplace for gaming products. What began in a small room in Poland with just six people has grown into a platform serving over 25 million customers in 180 countries. Today, G2A is the largest marketplace for digital goods, from games to software and gift cards.

Bartosz shares how he made bold moves, from navigating tough early days in the steel industry to betting on the digital gaming market when it was still in its infancy. He talks about the risk of shifting from a store model to a marketplace in 2014—something that most people thought was impossible. But Bartosz and his team believed in their vision, and it paid off.

Now, 15 years later, G2A has become an industry leader, and Bartosz is still looking ahead—focusing on AI, building stronger partnerships with influencers, and expanding into new markets.

Make sure to check out G2A: https://www.g2a.com/

Check out my new book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kRKGTX

Register for Starting Small Summit 2025: https://betheluniversity.edu/event/starting-small-summit-2025/

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In this episode I'm joined by Grace Lee Chan of Birdy Grey, the direct-to-consumer bridal brand that’s shaking up the wedding industry. Grace Lee Chen, co-founder of the brand, shares how she and her best friend Monica Ashauer launched Birdy Grey in 2017, turning a simple idea into a company that hit $80 million in revenue in just a few years. With no outside funding, they bootstrapped the business from the ground up, facing the challenges of a competitive market and the disruption of COVID. Grace walks us through the evolution of the brand, from their early days of fulfilling orders from her living room floor to now expanding into suits and growing rapidly.

Make sure to check out Birdy Grey: https://www.birdygrey.com/

Check out my new book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kRKGTX

Register for Starting Small Summit 2025: https://betheluniversity.edu/event/starting-small-summit-2025/

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In this episode I'm joined by Jim Keyes, the former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, to talk through his journey from humble beginnings to leading two of the most recognizable brands in the world. Jim opens up about how he worked multiple jobs—like flipping burgers at McDonald’s—to pay for school, made pivotal decisions in 7-Eleven’s growth, and led Blockbuster during its struggle against Netflix. He shares how his mindset shifted over the years, how he embraced adversity as opportunity, and how he navigated through some of the toughest leadership challenges in corporate America.

Make sure to check out Jim's book, Education is Freedom at: https://www.amazon.com/Education-Freedom-Future-Your-Hands/dp/B0CH6X6BVB

Register for Starting Small Summit 2025: https://betheluniversity.edu/event/starting-small-summit-2025/

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In this episode, I'm joined by Chris & Jonathan Ronzio of Trainual, the leading SaaS platform transforming the way businesses onboard, train, and scale teams. Trainual streamlines essential processes by providing businesses with a digital playbook to standardize how work gets done. Whether teams are remote, in-office, or hybrid, Trainual ensures employees have the knowledge and resources they need to succeed, keeping everyone aligned and accountable. Founded by brothers Chris and Jonathan, Trainual empowers business leaders to systematize their operations, from documentation to delegation, enabling teams to grow seamlessly, so founders can focus on the things they love.

Make sure to check out Trainual at: https://trainual.com

Register for Starting Small Summit 2025: https://betheluniversity.edu/event/starting-small-summit-2025/

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