What’s the best kind of business to own in 2025—and what’s an absolute nightmare? In this episode, we’re ranking all types of businesses from S-tier to bottom-of-the-barrel. From restaurants to retail shops, service-based to product-based, solo hustles to big operations—we’re breaking it all down based on lifestyle, scalability, stress, startup costs, and more.Whether you're dreaming of owning a business or already deep in the trenches, this episode is full of insight, laughs, and hard truths. Which business models made the top—and which ones would we never touch again?💼 Tune in for our hottest takes, biggest surprises, and a few controversial picks.

Feeling overbooked or underpaid?

In this episode, we dive into the hard but necessary moves: how to raise your prices and when it’s time to start a waitlist. Whether you’re a service provider, a creative, or running a local shop, knowing your value is key to staying sustainable — and profitable.

🎙️ A real-world conversation between a home designer and a restaurant owner, both navigating growth, demand, and boundaries.

✅ Signs it's time to raise your rates
✅ How to communicate pricing changes without losing trust
✅ When a waitlist is smart — and how to manage it well

If you’re feeling the pinch of too much work and not enough margin, this one’s for you.

In this episode, we’re breaking down the biggest red flags and common mistakes people make in interviews — from awkward first impressions to answers that secretly tank your chances.🎙️ Hear it from both sides of the table: a restaurant owner and a home designer who’ve interviewed (and hired or passed on) dozens of candidates.

❌ What not to say

❌ How to avoid coming off as unprepared or over-rehearsed

❌ Subtle habits that send the wrong signal

Whether you’re looking for a job or hiring for your small business, this one’s packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Ready to get more done without burning out? In this episode, we’re sharing the ultimate productivity hacks for small business owners — the tools, habits, and mindset shifts that actually work when you're wearing all the hats.

🎙️ Real talk from a home designer and a restaurant owner, navigating the chaos and making it count.

✅ Time-saving tips
✅ Delegation tricks
✅ Systems that scale

Hit play, take notes, and get your time and sanity back.

What happens when two small business owners hand over the reins to artificial intelligence? In this episode, we dive into the wild experiment of letting ChatGPT make key decisions for our home design firm and restaurant. From marketing plans to client emails, scheduling, and even menu suggestions—how far can AI really go in running a business?We share what worked, what went sideways, and how AI tools like ChatGPT are changing the way we think about entrepreneurship, creativity, and control. If you’ve ever wondered whether AI could be your assistant, your partner, or even your boss, this one’s for you.🎙️ Hosts: Evan Costas, Restaurant Owner + Adam Steiner, Home Designer📍 Real talk from the front lines of local business💬 Leave a comment: Would you trust ChatGPT to run your business?👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss the next episode!

Thanks for tuning in to today’s episode where we talk how not to get laid off — from the restaurant floor to the design studio. Whether you’re working for someone else or running your own team, these real-world lessons on staying indispensable can help you survive tight times.🎙️ This podcast is all about the ups, downs, and behind-the-scenes of owning and working in small local businesses.👥 Co-hosted by a restaurant owner and a home designer — two perspectives, one real conversation.👍 Like, subscribe, and share if you’ve ever worried about job security (or had to make the tough call yourself).🛠️ Got a story about staying valuable or getting cut? Drop it in the comments.📢 New episodes every week — follow for more unfiltered small business talk.

Every business hits a slow season—but what you do during those times can make or break your future success. In this episode of Small Business Talk, Adam Steiner, a home designer and firm owner, and Evan Costas, a restaurant owner and manager, share how to navigate the slow periods without losing momentum (or your sanity).We dive into:🌱 How to use slow seasons to build a stronger business💡 Smart projects you can tackle when customer traffic is low📊 Ways to manage cash flow and protect your finances🤔 Why slow times are actually opportunities in disguise🚀 How to come out of the slump stronger than everIf you’ve ever worried during a dip in sales or felt stuck when business was slow, this episode will give you real strategies and encouragement to keep pushing forward.💬 What’s something productive you do when things slow down? Share in the comments!👍 Found this helpful? Like & subscribe for more real-world business tips.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in.📲 Follow us on Instagram @smallbusinesstalkpodcast more small business behind-the-scenes!

Love it or hate it, social media is one of the most powerful (and free!) tools for growing your business. But with so many platforms, trends, and algorithms—it can feel overwhelming fast.In this episode of Small Business Talk, Adam Steiner, a home designer and firm owner, and Evan Costas, a restaurant owner and manager, break down what’s actually working in social media for small, local businesses—and what’s just noise.We cover:📱 Choosing the right platform for your business🧠 How to stay consistent without burning out💬 Content ideas that connect with your community📈 What metrics actually matter (spoiler: it's not always followers)🚫 Common mistakes small business owners make on socialWhether you’re just getting started or trying to level up your online presence, this episode is packed with real-world tips from two business owners in the trenches.💬 What’s your go-to platform for business? Let us know in the comments!👍 Liked this episode? Tap the thumbs up & subscribe for more small biz insights.🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you listen.📲 Follow us on Instagram @smallbusinesstalkpodcast for bonus tips & behind the scenes!

Cutting costs doesn't have to mean cutting corners. In this episode of Small Business Talk, we’re talking about how to trim expenses, boost profits, and run a leaner, smarter business—without sacrificing quality or customer experience.Join Adam Steiner, a home designer and firm owner, and Evan Costas, a restaurant owner and manager, as we get into:🔍 Where your money might be slipping through the cracks📉 Common expenses you can reduce today💡 Cost-saving tools and systems that actually work🤝 How to cut costs without losing your team or your clients📊 The difference between being frugal and being strategicWhether you’re trying to survive a slow season, increase profitability, or just get more intentional with your budget—this episode is full of practical ideas that won’t hurt your brand.💬 What’s one cost-saving move that worked for you? Drop it in the comments!👍 Like this video? Hit the thumbs up & subscribe for more real-world business advice.🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.📲 Follow us on Instagram @smallbusinesstalkpodcast for more behind-the-scenes business tips!#CuttingCosts #SmallBusinessTips #Budgeting #Entrepreneurship #LocalBusiness #Podcast

Starting a business is exciting—but let’s be honest, it’s also overwhelming. In this episode of Small Business Talk, we’re pulling back the curtain on the things we really wish we had known before becoming business owners. From money mistakes to mindset shifts, we're sharing it all so you don’t have to learn the hard way.Join Evan Costas, a restaurant owner and manager, and Adam Steiner, a home designer and firm owner as we unpack:💡 The expectations vs. reality of starting a business💰 What we didn’t know about finances, pricing, and overhead😅 The hardest lessons we learned in year one🧠 The mindset we wish we had from day one🙌 Advice we’d give our past selves (and any new entrepreneur)If you’re thinking about starting a business—or just want to feel seen in the messy, beautiful journey of entrepreneurship—this one’s for you.💬 What’s something you wish you knew before you started your business? Share in the comments!👍 Like this episode? Give it a thumbs up & subscribe for more real-talk business content!🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.📲 Follow us on Instagram @smallbusinesstalkpodcast for more small biz behind-the-scenes.#SmallBusinessTips #EntrepreneurLife #LessonsLearned #StartingaBusiness #LocalBusiness #Podcast

We’ve all made mistakes in our careers—but some are more painful (and expensive) than others. In this episode of Small Business Talk, we’re sharing the biggest career and business mistakes we’ve made, what we learned from them, and how you can avoid the same pitfalls.Join Adam Steiner, a home designer and firm owner, and Evan Costas, a restaurant owner and manager, as we dive into:⚠️ The mistakes that almost sank our businesses💡 Lessons we wish we had learned sooner🚩 Red flags to watch out for in any career or business📉 How to recover from a major setback🙌 Why mistakes aren’t failures—they’re part of the journeyIf you’ve ever doubted yourself, made a tough call, or learned a lesson the hard way, this episode is for you. Let’s get real about what not to do!💬 What’s the biggest career mistake you’ve ever made? Drop it in the comments!👍 Like this video? Give it a thumbs up & subscribe for more small biz insights!🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!📲 Follow us on Instagram @smallbusinesstalkpodcast for extra business tips!#CareerMistakes #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #LessonsLearned #Podcast

AI isn’t just for big corporations—it’s changing the game for small businesses, too! In this episode of Small Business Talk, we’re diving into how AI tools can save you time, boost efficiency, and help you grow your business without breaking the bank.Join Evan Costas, a restaurant owner and Adam Steiner a home designer and firm owner, as we discuss:🤖 AI tools we actually use (and which ones aren’t worth it)📈 How AI can help with marketing, customer service, and operations⏳ Time-saving AI hacks for busy business owners🚀 How small businesses can compete with bigger brands using AI⚠️ The risks & limits of AI (and how to avoid common mistakes)Whether you’re skeptical or already experimenting with AI, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you work smarter, not harder.💬 Are you using AI in your business? Let us know in the comments!👍 Like this video? Hit the thumbs up & subscribe for more small biz insights!🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!📲 Follow us on Instagram @smallbusinesstalkpodcast for extra business tips!#ArtificialIntelligence #SmallBusiness #AIForBusiness #Entrepreneurship #LocalBusiness #Podcast

Welcome to Small Business Talk Episode 3. Small Business Talk, the must-listen podcast for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and startups looking to master pricing strategies. Hosted by Evan Costas, a seasoned restaurant owner, and Adam Steiner, an expert home designer, we bring real-world experience to every episode. We dive deep into proven pricing techniques, profit optimization, and competitive pricing models tailored for small businesses. From setting the perfect price point to understanding customer value, boosting sales, and increasing revenue, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a solopreneur, retailer, or service-based business, our expert insights and practical tips will help you tackle pricing challenges, maximize profits, and grow your business. Tune in for actionable advice on pricing psychology, discount strategies, market analysis, and more—delivered straight from Evan and Adam’s years of success in the restaurant and home design industries!#smallbusiness #podcast #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #businesspodcast

Your business might be great, but if your brand isn’t memorable, you’re missing out on customers. In this episode of Small Business Talk, we’re diving deep into branding for small business owners—what it really means, why it’s more than just a logo, and how to create a brand that people recognize and trust.

Join Adam Steiner, a home designer and firm owner, and Evan Costas, a restaurant owner and manager, as we break down:

✅ The key elements of a strong brand identity

✅ Common branding mistakes (and how to avoid them)

✅ How to make your business stand out in a crowded market

✅ Branding on a budget—what’s worth investing in and what’s not

✅ Real-world examples of brands that are doing it right

Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to refresh your brand, this episode is packed with practical tips and real talk from two business owners who’ve been there.

Hit the thumbs up & subscribe for more small biz insights!

📲 Follow us on Instagram @smallbusinesstalkpodcast for extra branding tips!

#Branding #SmallBusiness #Marketing #Entrepreneurship #LocalBusiness #Podcast

What does it really take to run a successful small business? In our very first episode of Small Business Talk, we dive into the essential traits that set thriving business owners apart. From resilience and adaptability to creativity and customer focus, we’re breaking down the mindset and habits that make a difference.Join Evan Costas, a restaurant owner and manager and Adam Steiner, a home designer and firm owner, as we share our own experiences, the lessons we’ve learned, and the surprising qualities we’ve seen in other business owners who are killing it in their industries.If you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or just thinking about taking the leap, this episode is for you! Hit SUBSCRIBE for more episodes.#SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #BusinessTips #LocalBusiness #StartupLife