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America’s Spirits Industry Hits a Dry Spell
ALCOHOL INDUSTRY The US alcohol industry is experiencing its biggest hangover in decades, with no cure in sight. After enjoying a boom...

Rick Slark
Dec 13, 20241 min read


Celebrating Excellence: Congratulations to Beth Gantz, Lorain County Community College SBDC Director
It’s not every day you get to witness someone in your professional circle being recognized for their outstanding contributions, but today...

Rick Slark
Dec 6, 20241 min read
The Media Revolution: 7 Lessons Small Businesses Need to Know to Stay Relevant
As we witnessed in the 2024 election cycle, American media consumption has undergone a seismic shift. Instead of relying on cable news,...

Rick Slark
Nov 22, 20245 min read


Turbo-Charge Your Profits: Exploring Revenue Streams for Business Growth
As a business owner focused on growth, you’re likely well-acquainted with the core revenue stream that fuels your operations. But are you...

Rick Slark
Nov 15, 20246 min read
7 Critical Lessons from Wendy’s Decision to Close 140 Restaurants
What if closing a part of your business could make you more profitable? That’s exactly what Wendy’s is betting on by closing 140...

Rick Slark
Nov 8, 20244 min read
Mass Retailers Are Winning the Delivery Game—Why It Matters To You!
Online grocery sales soared to $27.4 billion in Q3, showing a 13.8% growth from last year—and it’s no surprise that delivery options are...

Rick Slark
Nov 1, 20241 min read
Make It: Frank Conversations on the Future of Manufacturing with Vinod Purayath
I am excited to share this conversation between Dr. Ethan Karp and Dr. Vinod Purayath, a renowned innovator and scientist with over 150...

Rick Slark
Oct 25, 20241 min read
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
The Power of Practice: How Consistent Action Leads to Long-Term Success
Three weeks ago, I decided to take charge of my health. I committed to new habits, determined to see quick results. I envisioned shedding...

Rick Slark
Oct 11, 20244 min read
From Struggle to Strength: The Transformative Power of Sitting with Pain
"Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars." — Kahlil Gibran In business, as...

Rick Slark
Oct 4, 20244 min read
Boost Your Retail Business by Blending Online and Offline Channels
Introduction: Retail’s New Landscape Imagine a customer who loves your brand but struggles to decide between the convenience of online...

Rick Slark
Sep 28, 20245 min read
Stop Watering Dead Plants: Recognizing When It's Time to Let Go
"You can't water dead flowers back to life." As business owners, we're driven by optimism. We see potential in every idea, client, and...

Rick Slark
Sep 27, 20242 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...

Rick Slark
Sep 20, 20242 min read
Unlock Business Growth: Your Essential Guide to Lines of Credit
Get ready to supercharge your business! In this episode, Rick Slark teams up with Sabrina Tackett to break down everything you need to...

Rick Slark
Sep 19, 20241 min read
New Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements for Many New and Existing Small Businesses
New Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements for Many New and Existing Small Businesses In 2021, Congress enacted the bipartisan...

Rick Slark
Sep 17, 20241 min read
Rising Above the Chaos: Winning in Business and Life
To those striving to achieve greatness in both business and life, The journey to success is rarely a straight path. It’s often filled...

Rick Slark
Sep 11, 20243 min read


Holiday Edition: Shopper's Attitudes Toward Price Increases
“Getting results isn’t just about staying informed—it's about taking that information and turning it into decisive action. The following...

Rick Slark
Sep 6, 20241 min read
3 Myths About Learning That Are Holding You Back
Standing still isn’t just risky—it’s a recipe for getting left behind. The most successful business owners understand that what got them...

Rick Slark
Aug 30, 20243 min read


What Can I Learn from the Home Improvement Slowdown? Consider These Actionable Strategies
Introduction In a world where 60% of homeowners are delaying renovations, understanding consumer behavior has never been more crucial for...

Rick Slark
Aug 23, 20244 min read
Advancing Air Mobility: Springfield Hosts National AAM Industry Forum
This week, Springfield, Ohio , plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation by hosting the National Advanced Air Mobility...

Rick Slark
Aug 22, 20242 min read
“Greatness is not in where we stand, but in what direction we are moving".— Oliver Wendell Holmes
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