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Women in Business: How Elisabeth Gelhar Built Two Thriving Brands
In this Women in Business Series episode, I sit down with Elisabeth Gelhar, the owner of Oak and Ivy, LLC, and Elisabeth Ashliegh...

Rick Slark
Oct 18, 20241 min read
Tupperware’s Downfall: What Small Business Owners Can Learn from an Icon’s Struggle
Remember your first Tupperware container? Maybe it was the one your grandmother used to store cookies or the colorful set your mother kept neatly stacked in the pantry. For many, Tupperware was more than just a container—it symbolized home, family, and the promise of well-preserved leftovers. However, the brand that revolutionized food storage has now filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, struggling to stay relevant in a world dominated by e-commerce and changing consumer prefere

Rick Slark
Sep 20, 20242 min read
Braving Economic Storms: Thriving Amidst Global and Local Pressures
Introduction In the industrial heartland of Northeast Ohio, brothers Mike and Dave run a small but proud manufacturing business. Their company has been a cornerstone of the community for decades, producing high-quality steel components for various industries. However, in recent years, Mike and Dave have felt the squeeze from forces far beyond their control. Global economic tremors and local competitive pressures have made their journey increasingly turbulent. Yet, with the ri

Rick Slark
Aug 13, 20244 min read
“Greatness is not in where we stand, but in what direction we are moving".— Oliver Wendell Holmes
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