In the 86th episode of Simply Business, I talk with Charles Renne about his unique journey through business, leadership, and mentorship. Charles brings both professional and personal wisdom, sharing stories of resilience, accountability, and the value of surrounding yourself with people who will push you forward.

We explore how leadership is less about titles and more about the impact you make, why mentorship can change the trajectory of a career, and how staying grounded keeps success sustainable.

This conversation is equal parts practical and inspiring a reminder that business is built not only on results, but also on relationships and values.

In the 85th episode of Simply Business, I sit down with Peter Nudd, Founder of Star Solar, to hear how he took decades of solar experience in the UK and rebuilt his business in Southern Indiana.

Peter shares candid lessons from navigating the ups and downs of renewable energy, what it means to restart in a new country, and why resilience is the key to building a sustainable business.

His story is a reminder that persistence, timing, and a clear vision can carry you through the toughest transitions.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur facing a restart or someone curious about the renewable energy industry, this conversation will give you perspective and encouragement.

In the 84th episode of Simply Business, host John Jennings speaks with Jessica Harris, Owner of Stafford Music Academy in Bloomington, Indiana.

Jessica shares her inspiring journey from professional flutist and piccoloist to running a thriving music academy. Along the way, she has faced major personal and professional challenges yet built resilience, a dedicated staff, and a strong community of students and teachers.

This conversation touches on the balance between artistry and business ownership, the grit required to keep moving forward when obstacles arise, and the joy of building something that impacts others’ lives.

If you’ve ever faced setbacks but wanted to keep your dream alive, Jessica’s story will resonate deeply.

If this episode inspires you, don’t forget to follow, rate, and share with others!

In the 83rd episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with April Foster, Founder & CEO of Inked Brands, to explore her journey from hobbyist scrapbooker to scaling one of the earliest subscription commerce businesses.

April shares how she built Studio Calico from her personal passion for scrapbooking, navigated the complexities of cash flow during explosive growth, and eventually created Inked Brands, a platform that now empowers over a dozen creative entrepreneurs.

She speaks candidly about what it takes to transition from hobby to business, the lessons she learned during the 2008 recession, and why humility and curiosity have been her biggest assets as a leader.

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn passion into profit — and scale it into something bigger than yourself — this conversation will inspire you.

👉 Listen, subscribe, and keep learning with us.

In the 81 episode, I sit down with Brad Flowers, Founder & Author at Bullhorn Creative.

We talk about how brands can stay authentic, communicate clearly, and connect with meaning. Brad shares lessons from years of helping businesses find their voice and simplify their story.

We explore themes like simplicity, clarity, storytelling, branding, and authentic connection.

In this special solo edition of Simply Business, I step away from the usual entrepreneur interviews to share what I believe is the single most powerful skill in leadership, business, and life: listening.

Listening well can transform how you lead, sell, parent, and build relationships. In this short but impactful episode, I explore why listening is so often overlooked, how it builds trust and influence, and why mastering this one skill pays dividends across every part of your life.

If you’re looking for a simple yet profound way to elevate your leadership and relationships, this episode is for you.

Today’s guest is Ben Townsend, Founder & CEO of Tracker Products, a company that helps law enforcement agencies manage evidence more effectively.

In this episode, Ben shares his entrepreneurial journey from launching a computer company in the 90s without knowing what he was doing, to building Tracker Products into a trusted partner for police departments across the country. He talks about the grit it takes to stay in business for 30 years, the challenges of leading with vision, and the importance of keeping things simple in both business and life.

Key themes explored:

• Building a company without a blueprint learning by doing
• Serving law enforcement and innovating in evidence management
• Balancing entrepreneurship with family life
• The importance of persistence and adaptability in leadership

🎧 Whether you’re a business owner, leader, or just looking for inspiration, this conversation shows what it takes to grow something meaningful from the ground up.

👉 Listen, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this message today.

In the 78th episode of Simply Business, host John Jennings sits down with Dr. Christine Kirkendol Watson, Physician and Owner of Body Bar MD. Christine shares her journey from the ER to entrepreneurship, and the lessons she learned building a patient‑first wellness brand.

We dig into how leaders create culture, what it means to move from “clinician” to “owner,” and the practical systems that keep growth sustainable without sacrificing care. Christine unpacks delegation, team development, and the power of keeping processes simple so your people can consistently deliver. You’ll hear candid insights on scaling, protecting the brand, and staying true to your mission as the business evolves.

If you’re a founder or leader navigating growth while trying to keep your team focused and your customers delighted, this conversation will give you clear, actionable ideas you can use right away. Listen, follow, and review to support the show and share this episode with someone who needs a boost of clarity and courage today.