Episodes

  • The Legacy of Neckers Jewelers: A Family Business Story
    Aug 20 2025

    In this episode of Building Loved Businesses, Nathan Schock interviews Dave Necker, the third owner of Neckers Jewelers, a family business with a rich history dating back to 1893. Dave shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of running a long-standing family business, including lessons learned in advertising, the importance of company culture, and the significance of customer experience. He discusses the evolution of the business, strategies for growth, and the dynamics of family succession planning, all while emphasizing the value of consistency and connection with customers.

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    41 mins
  • From One-Man Locksmith to Thriving Security Business
    Aug 13 2025

    In this episode of Building Loved Businesses, Nathan Schock interviews the Sawyer family, leaders of J & J Access, a third-generation family-owned locksmithing business. The conversation covers the founding story of the business, the lessons learned from their grandfather, the transition of leadership, and the strategies they employed to grow the business without debt. They discuss their expansion into new markets, the importance of rebranding, and the launch of their podcast, Access Granted. The family emphasizes the significance of company culture and their aspirations for the future of J & J Access.

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    44 mins
  • Building Trust with Systems and Service at Mainstream Home Improvement
    Aug 6 2025

    In this episode of Building Loved Businesses, host Nathan Schock interviews Spencer Sierra, the owner of Mainstream Home Improvement. Spencer shares his journey from working in the restaurant industry to becoming a successful entrepreneur in home improvement. He discusses the challenges of partnerships, the importance of understanding numbers and systems, and how to create a customer-centric culture. Spencer emphasizes the significance of customer experience, the power of reviews, and the need for continuous improvement in business operations. He also shares his vision for the future of his company and the importance of self-leadership in entrepreneurship.

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    39 mins
  • From Engineer to Entrepreneur: How Shawn Ericsson Built The Man Salon
    Jul 30 2025

    In this conversation, Shawn Ericsson, founder of The Man Salon, shares his journey from a mechanical engineer to an entrepreneur in the men's grooming industry. He discusses the challenges he faced in starting his business, the importance of creating a unique customer experience, and the role of leadership and culture in building a successful company. Sean also reflects on his personal battle with COVID-19 and how it reshaped his perspective on business and life. Looking ahead, he shares his plans for franchising and expanding The Man Salon brand.

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    50 mins
  • Navigating Growth and Culture at Crawford Company
    Jul 23 2025

    In this episode, Nathan Schock interviews Ian Frank, co-owner of Crawford Company, discussing the company's evolution from an HVAC business to a diversified operation. Ian shares insights on growth strategies, the importance of company culture, and the challenges of maintaining a healthy work environment amidst rapid expansion. He emphasizes the need for effective communication, strategic planning, and the value of good leadership in navigating the complexities of business growth.

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    43 mins
  • Building a Multifaceted Real Estate Business
    Jul 16 2025

    In this episode, Nathan Schock interviews Kory Davis, founder of the Experience Real Estate Company. Kory shares his journey from buying rental properties to building a multifaceted real estate business that emphasizes customer service and diversification. He discusses the challenges of differentiating in a competitive market, the importance of relationships, and the vision for the future of his company. The conversation highlights the significance of team dynamics and personal growth in driving business success.

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    25 mins
  • From Family Business to Employee Ownership: The Preference Journey
    Jul 9 2025

    In this episode of Building Loved Businesses, Nathan Schock interviews David Dietz, CEO of Preference Employment Solutions, discussing the journey of the company from its family business roots to becoming an employee-owned organization through an ESOP. David shares insights on building a culture of ownership, the importance of human connection in business, and strategies for diversification and growth. He emphasizes the need for calculated risks and the role of technology in enhancing, rather than replacing, human interaction in the workplace.

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    47 mins