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Ever wondered how a small-town upbringing can shape a big-time career in tech? In this episode of Small Business Pivots, we sit down with Kyle York, co-founder & CEO of York IE, to uncover his journey from growing up in a family-run athletic footwear business in New Hampshire to leading a strategic growth and investment firm for tech startups.

Kyle shares invaluable insights on entrepreneurship, scaling businesses, and the balance between stability and growth. Drawing from his deep-rooted experience in retail, investment, and tech advisory, he reveals how vertically integrated operations can create long-term success.

We also explore the evolving tech career landscape, where remote work and geographic flexibility are transforming traditional industry norms. Kyle’s own transition—from college football to tech entrepreneurship—highlights the iterative career steps that many professionals face. Learn how opportunities beyond Silicon Valley are fostering innovation in diverse locations and opening doors for aspiring entrepreneurs.

As we navigate the challenges of scaling a startup, Kyle contrasts startups' agility with the slow-moving nature of large corporations. He offers insights into the entrepreneurial mindset, problem-solving, and execution. Through the lens of York IE, he shares how startups can turn ideas into successful ventures, build high-performing teams, and redefine success in today’s digital-first economy.

Join us for this insight-packed conversation with Kyle York, and gain expert advice on growing, innovating, and thriving in the fast-paced world of tech entrepreneurship.

Kyle York: co-founder & CEO of York IE

Website: https://york.ie/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyork20/

Podcast: https://york.ie/podcasts/

Blog: https://york.ie/blog/

#Entrepreneurship #TechStartups #StartupGrowth #BusinessInnovation #KyleYork #YorkIE #TechEntrepreneur #ScalingBusinesses #BusinessLeadership #RemoteWork #VentureCapital #StartupSuccess #SmallBusinessPivots #FounderMindset #InvestmentFirm #BusinessStrategy #GrowthHacking #SiliconValley #TechIndustry #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerGrowth #BusinessPodcast #StartupLife #DigitalTransformation #EntrepreneurMindset #SmallBusinessSuccess #BusinessCoaching #TechInvesting #FutureOfWork #ScalingStartups #BusinessMentorship #SmallBusinessPivots #GrowYourBusiness #SmallBusinessCoach #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessSuccess #BusinessPodcast #MichaelDMorrison #BOSS #BusinessOwnership #OklahomaCity

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1. Want more resources to grow your business faster?
https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/

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3. Want professional business coaching with our Host, Founder & CEO?
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4. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with our Host, Founder & CEO?
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What does it take to build a thriving business as a solopreneur? In this episode of Small Business Pivots, we sit down with Joe Rando, Founder & CEO of LifeStarr, to explore the key lessons he's learned from decades of entrepreneurship.

Joe’s journey began in commercial real estate, where he leveraged creativity and relationships to develop shopping centers—without massive upfront investments. Growing up in a family of business owners, he honed his ability to adapt and find opportunities, even in tough economic climates.

But his entrepreneurial path didn’t stop there. Joe transitioned into the tech industry, launching retail site selection software that gained traction with a major mall developer and even contributed to the national expansion of CVS. While the venture ultimately faced challenges, the impact of his innovation endured, proving that setbacks can lead to lasting success.

In this episode, we break down:
- Smart hiring for small business owners – How to build a strong team by hiring people smarter than you
- Niche positioning for solopreneurs – Why specialization attracts better clients and increases profitability
- The solopreneur success cycle – Strategies for setting clear goals, staying agile, and fostering continuous learning

Joe also shares insights from the Aspiring Solopreneur podcast and LifeStarr’s resources, helping business owners build a business that runs efficiently—without burning out.

Listen now to discover how to pivot, scale, and sustain success as a solopreneur!

Joe Rando: Founder of CEO of LifeStarr

Website: https://www.lifestarr.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joerando/

Podcast: https://www.lifestarr.com/the-aspiring-solopreneur-podcast

Blog: https://www.lifestarr.com/blog

Email: joe@workstarr.com

#Solopreneur #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth #StartupSuccess #BusinessStrategy #SmartHiring #NicheMarketing #ScalingABusiness #LeadershipDevelopment #PodcastForEntrepreneurs #SmallBusinessPodcast #BusinessTips #SuccessMindset #EntrepreneurLife #JoeRando #LifeStarr #SmallBusinessPivots #GrowYourBusiness #SmallBusinessCoach #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessSuccess #BusinessPodcast #MichaelDMorrison #BOSS #BusinessOwnership #OklahomaCity

Support the show

1. Want more resources to grow your business faster?
https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/

2. Want to connect with our Host, Founder & CEO on LinkedIn?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/

3. Want professional business coaching with our Host, Founder & CEO?
https://www.michaeldmorrison.com

4. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with our Host, Founder & CEO?
https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/consultation


FOLLOW US ON:
- WEBSITE: https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/

-WEBSITE: https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/

-LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/

-YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@businessownershipsimplified

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Prepare to be inspired as Blair Nichols, the vibrant force behind BBN Creative Management, joins us on Small Business Pivots. He reveals his journey from a childhood curiosity about business to becoming a powerhouse in empowering entrepreneurs through speaking engagements. Blair opens up about his transition from a corporate career to full-time entrepreneurship, sharing how storytelling and communication can be pivotal tools for business growth. For those ready to harness their speaking potential, Blair offers invaluable tips on how to be the face of your business and the importance of connecting with your audience.

Discover the liberating shift from side hustle to full-blown business ownership, as Blair shares his personal experiences and strategic insights. He dives into the benefits of having control over client selection, work-life balance, and financial prospects, drawing on his own journey to replace his salary and gain autonomy. Blair's story illuminates the freedom and flexibility that remote work can offer, allowing entrepreneurs to sculpt their ideal lifestyle and enjoy the fruits of their labor on their own terms.

For anyone battling stage fright or imposter syndrome, Blair's candid advice is a beacon of encouragement. We explore practical strategies for overcoming these common hurdles and maximizing the impact of speaking engagements to drive business success. Blair emphasizes the power of preparation, practice, and presenting unique expertise to the right audience. From developing a compelling signature story to repurposing content for digital platforms, he outlines a sustainable speaking strategy that can unlock significant growth opportunities. Tune in to uncover how face-to-face interactions and strategic speaking can propel your business forward.

Blair Nichols: Founder of BBN Creative Management

Website: https://www.bbncreativemanagement.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blairbnichols/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbn_creativemgmt/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BBNCreativeManagement/

Email: blairbryant.nichols@gmail.com

#BusinessGrowth #PublicSpeaking #BlairNichols #CommunicationSkills #StorytellingForBusiness #EntrepreneurshipTips #BusinessCoaching #SuccessStrategies #OvercomeImposterSyndrome #SmallBusinessSuccess #PodcastForEntrepreneurs #SmallBusinessPivots #EmpowerEntrepreneurs #GrowYourBusiness #LeadershipDevelopment #SmallBusinessCoach #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessSuccess #MarketingStrategies #LeadershipTips #IntrovertSuccess #CustomerRelationships #AmazonBestseller #BusinessPodcast #MichaelDMorrison #BOSS #BusinessOwnership #OklahomaCity

Support the show

1. Want more resources to grow your business faster?
https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/

2. Want to connect with our Host, Founder & CEO on LinkedIn?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/

3. Want professional business coaching with our Host, Founder & CEO?
https://www.michaeldmorrison.com

4. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with our Host, Founder & CEO?
https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/consultation


FOLLOW US ON:
- WEBSITE: https://www.businessownershipsimplified.com/

-WEBSITE: https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/

-LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/

-YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@businessownershipsimplified