Small Business Talks
Are you a small business? Looking for answers to small business challenges or looking for ideas and solutions from other small businesses? Maybe you are looking for inspiration. That’s what we are all about! Small Businesses Talking to Small Businesses, sharing their experiences, discoveries, and thoughts to help your business succeed. From talks about getting started to new products and services they created. We feature interviews from small business owners and include experts in the areas of marketing, strategy, and resources to help you improve.
Episodes

Thursday Sep 04, 2025
Vertically Integrated Manufacturing
Thursday Sep 04, 2025
Thursday Sep 04, 2025
How it Can Improve Your Business & Your Customers Satisfaction
Vertically integrated manufacturing is beneficial to manufacturers as it provides greater control over the supply chain, improves quality control, reduces costs and lead times, and can lead to increased profits by capturing more value. Implementing vertical integration requires strategy and managing complexity. In this podcast we talk with Landon Geater and Jared Graening of Geater Machining and Manufacturing a vertically integrated manufacturer about the challenges and benefits of their vertical integration journey.
Many Thanks to Geater Machining and Manufacturing for being on this podcast. We have listed their contact information below.
Web: https://geater.com/ Phone: (319) 334-6026 Email: info@geater.com

Thursday Aug 28, 2025
TMR Mixers & Cattle Feed Mixers : A Buyers Guide on What To Look For
Thursday Aug 28, 2025
Thursday Aug 28, 2025
TMR mixers, also known as feed mixers, are essential tools for livestock farmers, offering numerous benefits that enhance the health and productivity of animals and offer cost saving by improving feed efficiency. With so many different types of mixers, which is right for your operation. In this podcast we discuss the types of feed mixers, and which types work best for which situations. In this podcast we are going to discuss what to consider when choosing a cattle feed mixer and why those factors are important.
To help us better understand what to look for we have Joel Schelling, Sales and Marketing Specialist at Post Equipment and parent company of Herd Boss Feeders. and Dan Koonan, a sales specialist.
Contact Information:
Joel Schelling: jschelling@postequip.com | Phone: 712-476-4500
Post Equipment: https://postequip.com/ | Herd Boss Feeders: https://herdbossfeeders.com/

Friday Jun 21, 2024
Shipping Container Farming & Understanding CEA
Friday Jun 21, 2024
Friday Jun 21, 2024
Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) is a broad term for any type of farming that takes place in a controlled environment, indoors and shielded from the elements. This can be done in a variety of settings, including greenhouses, warehouses, including repurposed shipping containers.
Jim Schroeder, principal owner of Alta-CEA, answers our questions about shipping container vertical farming and provides in-depth information about how CEA works and the necessity of training in order to effectively produce crops.
Contact Information:
Alta CEA Website: https://alta-cea.com/
Jim Schroeder : jim@alta-cea.com
Read more about Innovations in Vertical Farming at our Innovations Blog
Please subscribe to our Podcast and send us your comments at nealr@mfgpa.org

Thursday Jun 20, 2024
What is Form 5500?
Thursday Jun 20, 2024
Thursday Jun 20, 2024
If your business or organization offers pension or welfare benefit plans, you’ll want to listen to this episode that explains Form 5500 in detail, in addition to filing requirements and the hefty penalties for incorrect or late submissions.
Ann Myers and Alan Perka from the 5500 tax Group join us to help explain the details and filing of this form, Today on small business talks.
For additional details on Form 5500. You can Contact The 5500 Tax Group thriough their website address listed below.
Website: https://5500tax.com/
Don't foget to visit The Small Business Talks Blog and Subscribe to Our Channel.
We are always wanting to hear from our listeners and encourage you to send us your comments and suggestions to us via email at: nealr@mfgpa.org.

Tuesday Jun 18, 2024
Co-Managed IT Services – What are They & What Advantages Do They Offer?
Tuesday Jun 18, 2024
Tuesday Jun 18, 2024
Most businesses have heard of managed It services but may not be familiar with Co-Managed Services. What are the differences and what advantages do one have over the other. Steve Arndt and Greg Shenefelt of Silver Linings Technology join us to explain the differences and what advantages each type of service offers and how Co-Managed IT may be a solution many businesses are looking for.
Contact Info
Silver Lining’s Technology
Phone: 360-450-4759
Steve Arndt, sarndt@silverliningstechnology.com
Greg Shenefelt, gshenefelt@silverliningstechnology.com
Visit the Small Business Talks Website for more information. We would enjoy hearing from you and invite you to send your comments and suggestions to nealr@mfgpa.org.

Wednesday Apr 03, 2024
Why Should I Use an Outsourced IT Provider?
Wednesday Apr 03, 2024
Wednesday Apr 03, 2024
Many businesses ask if they should hire an outsourced IT Provider to manage their company’s information technology. This is especially true for the Legal cannabis industry which has unique challenges and hefty regulations for growers, distributors, and dispensaries in the cannabis industry. In fact, Cannabis IT Services and Solutions is fast becoming one of the largest growing areas in the IT service market.
To help us better understand why an IT provider is beneficial and what to look for in a provider we have Steve Arndt – President Cannabis Technology Partners & Silver Lining Technologies and Greg Shenefelt – Help Desk Coordinator Cannabis Technology Partners today on Small Business Talks.
Many Thanks to:
Cannabis Technology Partners 360-450-3687 info@cannabistechnologypartners.com https://cannabistechnologypartners.com/
Have a comment or idea for a podcast, email us at nealr@mfgpa.org
Visit Our Blog : American Business Blog

Monday Jan 15, 2024
Zinc Die Casting in Manufacturing
Monday Jan 15, 2024
Monday Jan 15, 2024
Zinc is a versatile metal that offers many advantages to product development and manufacturing, yet many products designers and engineers are fully aware of these benefits. Zinc Die Casting is an optimal choice for the right casting. Dave Magner, Director of Sales, and Marketing at Deco Products talks with us to understand when zinc is a good choice and how it impacts both product design as well as manufacturing and profitability.
Deco Products Contact InfoPhone: (563)-387-9058
Website: https://decoprod.com/

Monday Aug 28, 2023
Beam Saws - How to Increase Cutting Efficiency in a Business
Monday Aug 28, 2023
Monday Aug 28, 2023
In this cutting episode of Small Business Talks, we sit down with Dave Brown from The Original Saw Company. Dave dives into the advantages of beam saws, explaining their superior platform, stability, and exceptional cross-cut capabilities. We delve into the practical applications for businesses, both large and small, emphasizing the beam saw's ability in cutting a variety of materials.
Dave also touches on the importance of the right tooling, offering insights into cutting materials beyond just wood. From power requirements to the nuances of manual vs. power cross feeds. Plus, get valuable tips on maintaining your beam saw to ensure longevity and precision with every cut.
The Original Saw Company Website
Phone: 1-800-733-4063
Visit the Small Business Talks Site
Have a question, comment or topic idea, email us at: nealr@mfgpa.org

Monday May 22, 2023
The Rise of Online Loans and the Importance of Local Banks
Monday May 22, 2023
Monday May 22, 2023
Online Loans vs. Local Community Bank Loans
In an increasingly digital world, the financial landscape has witnessed a significant increase in online lending platforms. However, are local bank loans still a viable and advantageous option? Join us in this thought-provoking podcast as we delve into the realm of borrowing and explore the key differences between online loans and the benefits of turning to your local bank for home loans with our guests Amanda and Jo Lea, Vice President of Real Estate Lending and Assistant Vice of President of Real Estate Lending for Farmers National Bank in Illinois.
Farmers National Bank Website

Thursday Mar 16, 2023
What Is an Agricultural Bank?
Thursday Mar 16, 2023
Thursday Mar 16, 2023
An agricultural bank, also known as an AG bank, is a type of financial institution that provides specialized financial services to farmers, agribusinesses, and other rural clients to help them manage their finances, invest in their operations, and grow their businesses. In comparison to other types of banks AG banks often have a more specialized understanding of the unique risks and opportunities of associated with the agricultural sector.
We recently spoke with Brandt Hutchcraft and Steve Taets, who are loan officers with Farmers National Bank in Illinois to better understand the services and differences agriculture banking offers.
Famers National Bank Website
Send us your Feedback - nealr@mfgpa.org

Our Goal & Mission
Small Business faces many challenges, especially in today’s digital world, the biggest challenge is how to get and share your message with others and where to find these resources. That is why we are here! For over 25 years I have worked with some great people who own or operate a small business and have acquired experience and tribal knowledge that can benefit other small businesses. From solving sales lead generation to achieving success online, each company has a story to tell. The pod casts will be interviews with different companies on a variety of topics from marketing to hiring, to small business resources to highlighting new and innovative products and technology. We hope you find these podcasts helpful, informative, and entertaining. We are all in it together so lets share!





